Teen, 19, becomes mum and dad to his brother, 13, as their father is killed in car crash months after mum died from cancer
In place of the deceased parents Nathan, 19, has had to step into the role of mum and dad to Luke, 13
AN orphaned teenager was forced to adopt the role of mum and dad to his younger brother after both of their parents lost their lives.
Nathan Phillips, 19, and Luke, 13, lost their mum Anita to cancer two years ago.
Devastated at the loss of their mother, who was 53, the two boys and dad David pulled together.
But three months ago, the boys' lives were shattered once more when David, 58, died in a head-on collision between his motorbike and a truck.
Luke was on the back of the bike and was severely injured.
While part of his foot had to be amputated, the 13-year-old was kept in the dark about his dad's fate as he fought for his life in a coma at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
The accident has drawn the two lads closer together, and for Nathan there is no more partying or going out with his mates.
He told : "I think it has taught me to make the most of every day, don't let little things upset you and just enjoy the days as they come.
“I don’t want to be upset or angry about losing Mum and Dad. I’ve got to focus on looking after Luke now.
“We respect each other a lot more, I think. I have to do things like wake him up early for school – but he’s all right about it.
The doctors told Nathan that Luke would have panicked had he discovered his dad's fate during his recovery and this might have prevented him from being fit for surgery.
The crash happened in Mancetter, Warwickshire - a few miles from the family's Nuneaton home.
Nathan has nursed Luke back to health while he himself still grieves.
He said: “He still gets his moments where he says ‘I miss Mum and Dad’ or ‘I wish Dad was here’ – you know, to give him a hug before bed.
“But we do stuff together to make sure things work out. I used to spend more time with my mates.
“I’d be out in my car all the time or on my Xbox. I can still do those things now – but not so much.
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“I’ve got the washing up, to do, the laundry, the shopping, making sure Luke’s uniform and my work stuff is sorted. I feel as if I have been left to do everything by myself.
“It’s nobody’s fault, it’s just how the world is."
After hearing their story the local community has rallied round, setting up a crowdfunding campaign and donating thousands to help the boys.
Kindhearted friends and family set an initial target of £5,000.
But that has been surpassed and the total currently stands at £11,000.
Nathan is hugely appreciative. And every penny will be put to good use.
- To donate, visit:
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