York young carer Megan gets £200 to go to Big Apple

Megan Harris, 15, of Lotherington Mews, Derwenthorpe, was presented with the money during a school assembly, and was also given an early Christmas gift by her dad Steve - a trip to New York.

The anonymous cash donor is known to be a priest, but the person did not leave a name.

The donation comes after the All Saints’ RC School pupil was put forward for a Community Pride Award, in the Spirit of Youth category, receiving more than 30 nominations, as previously reported by The Press.

Megan was nominated for the dedication she showed in caring for her late mum Janine during her battle with motor neurone disease.

During the assembly, Steve was hiding behind the stage in the school hall and appeared when Megan was invited to the front of the stage.

He then presented her with the money.

Megan said: “When I saw my dad I thought ‘what is he doing here?’

“They explained to everyone in the assembly that somebody had brought in the money anonymously.

“All the pupils had seen me in The Press and would have realised why I had received the donation.

“I was quite overwhelmed.

"I felt shocked that somebody went out of their way to do that for me.”

Steve also gave her an early Christmas present, a holiday to New York in February next year.

He said: “From 11-years-old, about a year or so before Janine became ill, Megan was fascinated with New York, so mum promised to take her for her 16th birthday.

“Dad is now doing that, keeping the promise.”

He added: “We have gave up a family holiday this year to afford New York.”

Megan said: “I’ve always wanted to go to New York. I’m really excited.”

Megan was just 12-years-old when Janine was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

From that day Megan took it upon herself to be a carer for Janine, while continuing her education at school.

She remained one of her main carers until about a month before Janine died, aged 49, on March 22 this year after a suspected heart attack.