A SCHOOLBOY who helps his dad deal with a mental health condition has won an award.

Carwyn Gumm, a pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw in Pontypool, has been awarded the Pride of Gwent Carer Award by a panel of judges.

The 12-year-old said. “I was surprised. I am just proud of my dad and how he deals with things.”

Mr Gumm had a breakdown in 2013 when his youngest son Carwyn was seven.

He said: “Carwyn has been literally at my side since my severe anxiety and depression was first diagnosed. He continues to reassure, calm and coax me through day by day.

“He is bright, intelligent, and funny and loves everybody around him.”

His dad Stuart was at home in Talywain when he read about the Pride of Gwent Awards and decided to enter his son into the carer category.

There was no way that Mr Gumm could thank him for everything he does for him, so he decided a Pride of Gwent Award was the perfect way to say “Thank you”.

“I am very proud of him, he has been though in his life and I love him to bits,” Mr Gumm added. “I can write about all the ways he helps me.

“Now I am over the worst, he is happier too.”

Carwyn said he didn’t know that his dad has entered him for an award.

He is a keen Liverpool supporter and says Mo Salah is his favourite player. His favourite subject at school is maths and he hopes to be an accountant when he grows up.

“He is just incredible,” his mum, Michelle, said. “We are so proud of him.

“When Stuart was first ill I used to work evenings and Carwyn would come home from school and stay with his dad rather than go out and play with his friends. He has given up a lot of his play time.”

Carwyn will receive an award at the Pride of Gwent ceremony which will be held on the afternoon on May 25 in the Coldra Court Hotel where the overall Pride of Gwent winner for 2018 will be announced.

To find out more about the awards and the winners visit southwalesargus.co.uk/prideofgwent