University of the Highlands and Islands student named as carer of the year

The awards recognise people who make a difference to our communities, healthcare, education, safety and wellbeing.

Louise was commended for her work in supporting an eight-year-old boy who has a rare neurological condition.

Sam Cooper Douglas has suffered from microcephaly from birth, a condition where there is a problem with brain development in the womb or when the brain stops growing after they are born.

Louise provides respite for his parents, helping Sam to get ready for school, providing overnight care and taking him out for day trips and adventures.

Collecting her award at the Highland Heroes event at the Drumossie Hotel, Louise said: “It’s the best job in the world. You could probably say I think of him as my little bestie. So yeah – this is for Sam.”

Louise was nominated for the award by Sam’s family.

They said: “Louise has enriched our son Sam’s life in incredible ways since becoming his carer. Every shift she has with him is full of fun and nonsense.

“His eyes light up when she arrives at our house to take him on their next adventure.

“She has become a hugely important part of Sam’s life and is so emotionally invested in him and cares about him so much.

“We know this is more than a job to her and the way she looks after him which means we can fully relax when he is in her care.”