Devoted sisters honoured for looking after Ethan (From York Press)

Devoted sisters honoured for looking after Ethan Swan

9:34am Friday 12th October 2012 in News By Simon Ritchie

TWO devoted girls have been honoured for being “the best sisters a boy could have”.

Aimee Swan, 13, and her sister Katie, 10, have received Wigginton Young Achievers Awards for the care, love and devotion shown to their disabled younger brother, Ethan.

Ethan, who was born five weeks’ premature, has cerebral atrophy, which means that he has an immature, underdeveloped brain.

The girls were nominated for the awards by their parents, Graham and Lynda, of Middle Banks, Wigginton.

Lynda said: “Over the years they have turned tedious and unpleasant physiotherapy into games; they have read stories countless numbers of times, as he enjoys the repetition.

“They’ve played games that they have long outgrown with such enthusiasm; they’ve held his hand when he’s been ill and held the jug when he’s been sick.

“They have pushed him in the baby swings, unembarrassed by his size. They’ve helped him up the slide steps and been his champion when others have pushed in or mocked him. They’ve pushed him in his wheelchair and raced him down the street, and they have never complained when they’ve missed out because Ethan’s having a bad day. But most of all, despite the extra work and unrelenting support that goes hand in hand with their special little brother they give their time and energy so willingly just because they love him.”

Lynda added: “Their support and encouragement of Ethan is an example to us all. They are the best sisters a boy could have.”

Aimee attends Joseph Rowntree School, while Katie is in her final year at Wigginton Primary School. Ethan goes to Hob Moor Oaks School, York.

The girls received the awards and a cash prize of £200 each at a ceremony in the Old School, in Wigginton, attended by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Keith Hyman, and the Sheriff of York, Coun Paul Firth. The awards were organised by Wigginton Parish Council.

• Ethan and his family will this month be appearing on the CBeebies programme Something Special featuring “Mr Tumble” Justin Fletcher. The episode was filmed in and around York and sees Ethan in a motorhome with his grandparents, Richard and Eleanor Goodyear, in Haxby.