WHEN Anne Curtin from Ballinacurra Gardens was selected as Limerick Carer of the Year by the Carers Association, it came as a complete surprise to the unassuming 70 year-old housewife.
Anne provides full-time care in the home to her 29-year-old son Andrew, a paraplegic who has been confined to a wheelchair since an accident two years ago, and her husband Michael who suffered a stroke eight years ago.
Anne, who was nominated for the award by Andrew, will attend a national awards ceremony in Dublin on November 5 honouring award recipients from across the country.
“This has come as a total surprise. It’s a huge honour and I am so appreciative of it, especially as my darling son Andrew was the inspiration behind it. I had no idea he had nominated me for this award so I am very moved that he would do this for his old ma. I’m still in shock but it’s just lovely to be honoured like this. It is just wonderful,” said Anne.
“I feel this award is not just for me but in recognition of all those thousands of people across the country who care for family members and loved ones. It is an eye-opener to see how much people give of themselves especially with all the cutbacks.
“Becoming a carer is something I never thought I would have to do but there’s still a great family structure in Ireland and like so many others who do this job for no reward you just get on with it and give it your best,” she explained.
The Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Award 2013, sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response, celebrates the contribution of almost 17,000 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.
Speaking at the Limerick awards ceremony, Catherine Cox of The Carers Association said that family caring was a labour of love and, following a tough year of cutbacks, it was never more important to recognise the contribution of family carers.
At the national final in Dublin next week, 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 announced.
