A TEENAGER from Longwell Green has been nominated for a WellChild Award, recognising her extraordinary role as a sibling to her younger sister, Zeniah, who lives with a life limiting condition and complex medical needs.
The family is supported by Jessie May, the children’s hospice at home charity. Their nurses have become a trusted presence in the household, supporting not only Zeniah but ensuring Kirianna feels seen, valued, and included.
Asked why she thinks she was nominated, Kirianna, a pupil at Collegiate School, answered with her characteristic modesty: “I look after her a lot… I sit with her and play with her. When we go on walks, I push the pram, or if she’s sad, I sit with her in the car.”.
Her mum, Dana, says her daughter never seeks recognition for the countless ways she supports the family:
“People don’t realise how much siblings do. She helps lift her, carries her bags, makes sure she has her medicines. She’s brilliant – a daughter and sibling who does so much without ever asking for praise.”
Zeniah, who attends Warmley Park School, has a rare genetic condition called Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. Only about 700 documented cases in the world. She has had three heart surgeries and has epilepsy and learning difficulties all associated with the condition.
Despite the challenges she and her parents Dana and Marc face, Kirianna’s compassion never falters. Dana explains: “I took Kirianna to Glasgow on a plane recently as we have never been able to take her on a plane before because of Zeniah’s needs, and she was so excited. She is never resentful – always compassionate. Love her heart.”
She helps care for her sister, advocates for her at school, raises awareness about disability, fundraises for charities, and even learned Makaton so she could communicate with Zeniah and help others do the same.
The demands of being a young carer don’t stop at the front door. They follow her into school too. Dana highlights how important it is for adults to understand this:
“Sometimes sibling carers are coming into school and you don’t know what’s gone on that morning. Kirianna may have had to deal with 12 paramedics in the house over night with Zeniah being admitted to hospital and then show up for school ready to learn the next day.”
She’s grateful that Kirianna’s teachers recognise this.
“We are so blessed that her school is supportive – they have given her a student mentor and they give her a time out pass as and when needed; school is such a safe and happy place for her.”
Her WellChild Award nomination shines a much needed spotlight on the resilience, empathy, and love shown by siblings across the UK – children who grow up understanding complex medical routines, unpredictable days, and the emotional weight of caring for someone they adore.
Chris Capewell, head of communications and marketing at WellChild, said: “Established in 2005, the WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, have become one of the most special moments in our year. They give us the chance to celebrate extraordinary children and young people like Kirianna from across the UK, who show exceptional courage in the face of serious illness.”
Victoria Tarr is one of Zeniah’s Jessie May nurses who supports the whole family is very proud of Kirianna and says this nomination is more than deserved: “I see firsthand how incredible she is with Zeniah. She has a natural gentleness and patience that you can’t teach. At Jessie May, we always try to make sure siblings feel supported and understood, and with Kirianna it’s clear how much she gives of herself every day. She’s an amazing sister, and it’s a privilege to watch the bond they share.”