Following an unprecedented level of nominations for The Carers Association’s Carers of the Year Awards 2014, Breege Mulvaney from Charlestown has been announced as Mayo’s Carer of the Year 2014. She was presented with her award at a special presentation on Wednesday afternoon in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh.
Breege has provided care for her son James for the past 23 years, James has Down Syndrome and was diagnosed with diabetes 10 years ago. James spent his early years in and out of hospital and nearly died when he was three due to a gluten allergy.
Breege has provided care for James since he was born while raising her other four children, one of whom is James’ twin. She gives James his daily injections and ensures he gets to day care. Breege continues to provide full time care for James while facing her own health issues after being diagnosed with cancer in May.
A nomination for Breege called her “inspirational” and said “she is an amazing woman of strength and character”. It continued saying Breege and James are “best friends” and that Breege is “always thinking of others, especially James.”
The Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Award 2014, 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 receive a commemorative certificate and the Mayo Carer of the Year 2014, Breege Mulvaney, will now attend a special ceremony which will be held in Dublin on November 12 honouring award recipients from across the country. One family carer will be chosen as Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2014 and the Young Carer of the Year 2014 will also be presented.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by broadcasters and patrons of The Carers Association Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.
Bernadette Moran, centre manager, The Carers Association, Mayo, said: “Family caring is a labour of love and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate family carers. The Mayo Carer of the Year Award recognises the dedication and enormous contribution of the region’s over 2,600 family carers. We are delighted to present this year’s well deserved award to Breege Mulvaney.”
