SEVEN-year-old Lottie Sykes is to bring out the match ball before the Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle United as the fixture’s Community Hero.

Despite her tender age, Lottie provides a great deal of support for her brother Ben (16) and sister Emma (18), who each have Down’s Syndrome and are part of the Community Sports Foundation’s (CSF) representative football team.

Emma has had a number of operations on her mouth and ears, with her longest stay in hospital lasting just over three weeks.

Ben, meanwhile, has recently been diagnosed with Autism, which often sees him hide away in the home environment, preferring his own space.

Lottie often has to accompany Ben and Emma to various hospital appointments and has learnt to use British Sign Language to help communicate with Emma.

The CSF Down’s Syndrome team has provided a friendly environment for Ben and Emma, and Lottie spends much of her time helping parents Nicola and Adrian to take her brother and sister to the activities they enjoy.

Both parents speak of Lottie’s maturity for one so young, and how she acts as a role model for Ben and Emma: helping them with their reading and writing, and understanding their needs.

Lottie’s family are extremely proud of her and are delighted that she will be the Community Hero against Newcastle United.

Learn more about CSF's Community Week HERE.

CITY v NEWCASTLE: COMMUNITY HERO

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