‘I was happy to care for my mum’
Following the accident the then 12-year-old was forced to become her mother, Mary’s, around the clock carer.
Speaking at the launch of the 2010 Carers of the Year Awards the now 19-year-old college student, who collected last year’s award, said the decision to devote her life to her mother had been an easy one.
“My mother was in need of help and I was willing to do anything for her. While caring for another person may be physically and emotionally taxing, it also brings the true meaning of love and family. Yes, I’ve had to do things over and above what is usually expected of a child but I’m happy to be in a position to help my mum’s everyday life.”
The Ballincollig woman went on to call for more support for younger people taking care of loved ones.
Her mother Mary praised her daughter, who also helps care for her three older siblings.
“You always did this without complaint. To be quite honest, if I was faced with the same challenge at such a young age I doubt that I would have handled it with the same grace and dignity that you’ve shown.
“So for this, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart... I want to thank you for the quality of life you’ve given me and for being my legs.”
Enda Egan, chief executive of the Carers Association said there were now more than 40,000 full-time carers in Ireland.
“There are carers on every street and town in Ireland,” he said.
According to the association there are a total 161,000 family carers in total around the country, proving some three million hours of care per week.
This amounts to savings of more than €2.5 billion to the State, it said.
Minister for Social Protection Éamon O Cuív said the government this year alone had allocated €726 million to carers.
But he warned that there were difficult budgetary times ahead.
The minister praised the work of those caring for loved ones. Often the role of a carer was thrust upon them though without notice, he added
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
