‘It is vital the work of family carers is appreciated’

FAMILIES provide more than 3.5 million hours of support and work annually taking care of their loved ones, it was revealed yesterday as a competition was launched to find Ireland’s top carers.

Parents yesterday spoke of their determination and care in bringing up children with challenging conditions.

Moira Skelly, from Dublin, who cares for her 11-year-old daughter Ciara, who is autistic and suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, said: “No matter how hard the day, looking at Ciara’s smile, listening to her giggle and sing Barney is enough to make any struggle worthwhile.”