"MY mum is always there for me."

So says 12-year-old Abbie Marshall, who has autism, Tourettes and bipolar conditions, and has nominated her mum Michelle for the Daily Echo Carer of the Year award, supported by Southampton Lions.

The Sholing Technology College pupil said: "I have had lots of struggles in my life and I always trash the house and my mum is always there for me."

Mum of three Mrs Marshall and her partner must make sure that Abbie, who is on medication, has a good routine every day.

"I suppose we have got used to it," said Mrs Marshall. "We just want to support her really well.

"She can get very stressed and anxious and quite cross.

"She is on medication and finding life a bit easier but her mood can go up and down.

"Her school has been fantastic. They have given Abbie lots of support. She spends a lot of time at the computer - she is brilliant with it."