Following an unprecedented number of applications for the 2013 Carers of the Year, The Carers Association is delighted to announce the Mayo 2013 Carer of the Year. The annual awards recognise the dedication and enormous contribution of more than 3,000 family carers across Mayo.
Martina McAndrew, Claremorris, was presented with her award as Mayo Carer of the Year at a special ceremony in Breaffy House that took place on Friday October 18. Martina provides full-care in the home for her daughter Shauna, who has autism. Martina was also instrumental in setting up a new autism class in Shauna’s school. A mum of three, she was nominated by her son John McAndrew.
The Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Award 2013, sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response, celebrates the contribution of family carers across Ireland. Family carers provide high levels of care in the home to their loved ones, including older people, those terminally ill, and with disabilities.
All entries will receive a commemorative certificate, and 2013 Mayo Carer of the Year 2013 Martina will now attend a special ceremony which will be held in Dublin on November 5 honouring award recipients from across the country. One family carer will be chosen as Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2013, and the Young Carer of the Year 2013 will also be presented. The awards ceremony will be hosted by broadcasters and patrons of The Carers Association Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.
“The Carers of the Year Awards acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the work which family carers carry out throughout Mayo and Ireland. We are delighted to present the local Carer of the Year Award to Martina. Family caring is a labour of love and following a tough year of cutbacks it has never been more important to recognise the contribution of family carers. This is an opportunity to celebrate carers and their dedication to their loved ones,” said Catherine Cox, The Carers Association.
