JLS star Oritse Williams: 'I became a carer at 12' #TheElitePartyinJuly #IRepEntertain9jarBlog #TwitterTrendBlog via @myentertain9jar

The former boy band star fronts moving new Channel Four documentary on Britain's youngest carers

 

ORITSE Williams reveals he looked after his mother from a young boy in a moving documentary about Britain's youngest carers.

The JLS founder and singer opened up on his own experiences in the programme Britain's Youngest Carers to be shown on Channel 4 tonight.

Oritse is concerned by the growing number of child carers in the UK [C4]

Oritse, who fronts the heart breaking documentary, calls for more help to be given to the UK's hidden army of 200,000+ child carers.

After his mum was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and lost her mobility, Oritse, at the tender age of 12, had to take care of her and his family.

Marvin Humes ex-bandmate tells viewers: "At 12 I became a carer. I did not want anyone to think I was different so I kept it hidden.

"It's an issue that's shaped my life and is impacting on thousands of young people across the country.

Little Ty-Reece is only six but has to care for his sick mother [C4]

"I found it hard at first. I became tired, cooking, cleaning, running around trying to make money and stay in school and follow my music dream.

"I used to turn up to school late. I would get in a lot of scuffles because people knew my mother was ill and would poke fun at her."

The touching documentary follows the lives of fours of the country's youngest carers in a bid to understand the overwhelming pressure placed on them.

Oritse is especially shocked and moved when he meets little Ty-Reece who is only six, but has been caring for his mother Joanne since he was four-and-a-half.

Oritse hopes his documentary will raise awareness of the hidden number of child carers [C4]

Cameras follow the little boy as he loads the washing machine, brings his mother food, and runs her bath.

Meanwhile Oritse meets other children who confess how trapped and stressed they feel running a household, often having to administer medication or even take a parent to the toilet.

The former X Factor star hopes the show will help other child carers to speak up.

"I've always been suspicious of celebrity involvement in big social issues," Oritse explained.

Marvin Humes former JLS bandmate listens to a group of child carers discuss the pressures they face [C4]

"They're usually too complicated for any individual to solve.

"The very best I can do is to encourage young people to speak up."

We applaud you Oritse.

Britain's Youngest Carers, tonight 11pm, Channel 4

Oritse performing with his JLS bandmates [Wenn]