The 2016 Mayo Carer of the Year has been awarded to the late Paddy Philips from Orlar, Kilkelly. Mr Philips was nominated by his family in acknowledgement of the love and care he provided to his mother who was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago. Sadly Paddy passed away earlier this year, on April 13. Paddy’s sister Aine and brother Tomas accepted the award on his behalf last Tuesday.
Commenting, Bernadette Moran, Family Carers Ireland, support officer, Mayo, said: “We are delighted to be able to honour the memory of Paddy Philips in such a special way. Paddy was an exceptional person, who gave so much love and care both to his mother, and to everyone around him. Paddy was the main carer for his mother, who has dementia. Paddy had a terrific can do attitude, and according to his family when his mother was diagnosed, he was very practical and positive about her care. He was incredibly good to his mum, and to his 13 nieces and nephews who miss him greatly every day.”
Paddy’s sisters, Aine, Mairead, and Mary will go on to represent Paddy at the National Carer of the Year Awards which will take place in the Westin Hotel, Dublin, on November 16.
