A man decided to use his years of experience as an unpaid carer to inspire young people in the same situation.

Benjamin White, who has lived in Harrow all his life, remained determined to live his own life and build a successful career in the care industry after caring for a close family member for several years.

As the now 28-year-old was finishing college ten years ago, with dreams of starting off his adult life, a close relative suffered a mental breakdown and he was forced to give up his new job to care for them.

Over the coming months, the unpaid bills mounted up and managing the home became a mammoth task, but Benjamin - who won a Harrow Young Citizen of the Year award in the 1990s - never gave up.

He said: “Being a carer for someone you love while trying to work can cause many dilemmas and you are always wondering when the phone may ring.

“I have to remind myself I’m not the only one that can help.”

Mr White’s determination to succeed and build a career has remained strong, however, and he is now determined to support others like him.

Having recently left his role supporting young carers at Harrow Carers, he has now ventured on a new journey, becoming the branch manager for Network Healthcare Harrow, a private care agency providing care in the home.

He added: “I would like to assure others like me that caring for a relative from a young age impacted on many of my life choices, but if you remain determined and keep focused, your career dream may come true.”

To find out more about the services provided by Network Healthcare Harrow, call the office on 020 8427 6351 or visit https://www.careplace.org.uk/Services/8554/Network-Health-Care