A TEENAGER with a life-threatening illness is being failed by his carers, his parents say.

Moazam Kashif, 19, has a rare genetic disorder and is terminally ill.

He needs constant care as his condition deteriorates.

But his parents Mohammed and Humera Kashif say he has been let down by the care system provided on behalf of Kirklees Council.

Until early last week Active were Moazam’s care providers, but carers often failed to turn up.

His parents also say a racist comment was made about the family.

Mr Kashif, a Bradley father-of-two, said: “Moazam has a terminal illness but is not getting the care he needs.

“This independent agency, Active, runs the care programme on behalf of Kirklees Council and I think it is shocking that they are not doing what they are paid to.

“We were also told one of the staff made a racist remark about our family, which is think is appalling.

“All I want is for my son to receive the care he needs.”

Moazam has a rare genetic disorder called Niemann-Pick disease.

From the moment he wakes until the time he goes to sleep he needs care and attention.

He is still mobile, but has difficulty with day to day life, has dementia and mild schizophrenia.

But when carers failed to show up, the family were left struggling to cope with Moazam’s needs.

“At this point his condition is only going to get worse, he is deteriorating,” Mr Kashif added.

“But the support mechanism he needs is just not there, it is appalling.

“Because his condition is so bad he is regularly reviewed and they always say he needs more care.

“I think the council should be concerned that the company they use to provide this care is just not doing their job.”

Mr Kashif, 37, and his wife also have a baby daughter, Maneeha, who is now eight-months-old.

They first complained last November, but they are still waiting for a full response.

They were told at the end of January that Active would no longer care for Moazam, with no explanation why. It left them just four weeks to find a new carer for Moazam.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “It is our practice to investigate thoroughly when there are gaps in care provision and where there are allegations of racist comments being made, and such an investigation has been undertaken in this case.

“Active have fully co-operated with the council in this investigation. A complaint made in November 2007 was investigated and reported to the family at the time.

“There have been further gaps in care during late January and February and these have now been investigated.

“Our staff who have been involved in this matter have been in close contact with the family during this investigation.

“There is no legal duty to provide reasons when a service is terminated, but it is good practice to do so.

“In this case the issue has been the availability of staff suitably trained to meet specialist needs who are also acceptable to the family.

“A new service provider has now been identified to work with this family.”