LAUREN Revett has spent a lifetime caring for her big brother.Philip was dealt a terrible hand in life – he suffers from Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy and a heart defect.

LAUREN Revett has spent a lifetime caring for her big brother.

Philip was dealt a terrible hand in life – he suffers from Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy and a heart defect.

But caring Lauren has spent nearly all her 14 years doing whatever she can to make his life better.

Mum Carol, of Sandpiper Road, Ipswich, said: "Looking after Philip is all she's ever known, she started caring for him when she was just two.

"She started by looking after him and fetching his drinks.

"Philip couldn't speak at that time, but Lauren seemed to be able to communicate with him and she would always tell me what he wanted for his tea.

"People said I was stupid when I decided to have another baby when Philip was still so young.

"But I told them he would learn from Lauren – and that's the way it worked out. She got him moving and crawling."

Philip still gets lots of love and attention from his little sister. She feeds and dresses him and even volunteers to buy his clothes.

Carol said: "She'd have him in high fashion if we could afford it. She went Christmas shopping the other day and ending up spending £28 on clothes for Philip."

But all Lauren's love and attention has not come without its costs. Most 14-year-old girls would be spending time with friends, listening to music and gossiping about boys.

Lauren's time is far more important. And so much of it is taken up by the needs of her big brother she sometimes misses out on some of the fun things.

Carol said: "I sometimes feel she's missed out on her childhood a bit. Lauren's always with Philip.

"Before she asks to do anything for herself she always thinks about Philip and whether he can go along.

"So it means she doesn't get to go out with her friends as much as she could do."

Carol sees the Evening Star's bid to find a Kid in a Million as a chance for her daughter to get the recognition she sometimes misses out on.

She said: "Lauren's always been in Philip's shadow. She does everything for him, but sometimes she gets forgotten about.

"Because I have to spend so much time with him, she doesn't always get as much attention as she deserves.

"I think this is her chance to come out from Philip's shadow and get something in her own right."

The Kid in a Million chosen will meet Santa Claus and go on a sleigh ride around Ipswich this Sunday with their family. They will also be given a present and be treated to a slap-up meal to give a well-earned sparkle to their Christmas.