Love Island star Simba has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced after becoming a young carer at just 10 years old when his mother was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The North London native, who finished third on this summer’s series of the ITV dating show alongside NHS nurse Angelista Gunda, reflected on his childhood during an emotional appearance on Good Morning Britain. He revealed how his parents initially tried to shield him and his younger brother from the reality of their mother’s illness.

Looking back, Simba admitted he did not fully understand the seriousness of the diagnosis at the time.

“Looking back no, I didn't, in terms of actually understanding the gravity of the situation,” he said.

He added: “I feel like my parents did their best in terms of wanting to protect me and my younger brother as well, he was probably only about six years old at the time.”

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects muscle movement and can lead to difficulties with speaking, swallowing and breathing. Although there is currently no cure, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

While the brothers may not have fully grasped what was happening, Simba said they “definitely picked up on a few things” as their mother’s condition gradually progressed.

One memory in particular has stayed with him. Simba recalled noticing the first significant signs of the disease when his mother began losing strength in her hands.

“There’s definitely a memory, I think I was probably about 11 years old. She started to lose strength in her hands. I think she would say that probably, in terms of her upper limbs, that’s where the disease started to affect her quite significantly to begin with,” he explained.

“She parked up and she was struggling to put the handbrake up and I remember she called me to the front seat and she was like, ‘I need you to lift up the handbrake.’ So I think little things like that started to make me question a little bit, like, ‘Okay, what’s going on with mum right now?’”

As his mother’s condition worsened, Simba took on increasing responsibility at home, helping to care for her while also supporting his younger brother. Despite the challenges that came with such a role at a young age, he believes the experience played a major part in shaping the person he has become.

Reflecting on that period of his life, he said: “Looking back, I’m definitely proud of myself. I feel like it’s made me the man that I am now. It’s given me so many skills, so many credentials.”

Today, Simba’s mother has lost the ability to communicate verbally as a result of MND. However, technology has allowed her to remain connected with loved ones. She now uses eye-gaze technology, which enables her to form sentences by moving her eyes across a keyboard linked to a mounted tablet. Through the system, she is able to communicate with family and friends and continue using messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Many people praised Simba for speaking out and raising awareness. One person wrote on our Instagram page, "I love that he’s using his platform to speak about this, so much respect for him!" While Chidi Ogandu who appeared alongside Simba wrote, "My boy." While a third wrote, "damn that's crazy. same thing happened to me at the same age, same condition, same progression :( glad to see his mom is still here and they have more support."