Pictured at the launch of the 2015 Carers of the Year Awards, hosted by The Carers Association are broadcasters and patrons of The Carers Association, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
ACCORDING to the last Census there are over 7,433 family carers in Donegal. The Carers Association is asking people across the county to nominate their chosen carer and recognise their work providing essential care in the home to loved ones, who are often frail, have poor health or are children and adults with disabilities.
Broadcasters and patrons of The Carers Association, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan, officially launched the awards and will present the Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carers of the Year Awards 2015 at a special ceremony in Dublin in November. The awards, sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response, are hosted by The Carers Association to celebrate the dedication and commitment of Ireland’s over 187,000 family carers and 6,500 young carers.
Josie Cullen from Letterkenny was announced as last year’s Donegal Carer of the Year 2014. Josie cared full-time for her daughter Karen for over 20 years since Karen took ill at the age of six. Karen was diagnosed with a brain tumor, throat cancer and epilepsy, and had numerous head surgeries over the years. Sadly Karen passed away last year.
“Josie is an inspiration who lovingly provided care for her daughter. We were very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. May she rest in peace” said Catherine Cox, Head of Communications, The Carers Association.
Nominations can be made online at www.carersireland.com. Nomination forms are also available from your local Carers Association Resource Centre or by calling the Freephone Careline on 1800 24 07 24. Closing date for entries is Friday, September 18.
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