Mum of the year stayed strong after child’s death

Mum of the Year Olive Tumulty has ensured her daughter, Katie, who died last year, will never be forgotten.

The mother of three from Maynooth, Co Kildare, was nominated for the title by a friend, who admired how she had stayed so positive and strong after the death of her child.

Four-year-old Katie had been very sick with a mitochondrial disorder — an inherited chronic illness that causes debilitating physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities — that required 24-hour care at home. She also stayed at the Laura Lynn House, Ireland’s first children’s hospice.

Olive continues to raise funds for the Laura Lynn Foundation and Jack and Jill. She also makes sure to keep Katie included in the lives of her other two children, Ronan, aged 1, and Lily, 7.

Her friend, Christine Harmes, had met Olive through a doctor as both their young children had been diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder.

“Olive overcame that terrible illness that took her daughter with dignity and strength,” said Christine.

Olive said she was shocked when she was chosen as one of the five regional finalists in the Woman’s Way and Lidl Mum of the Year 2015.

Celebrity mum of the year Amelda Maguire, left, with mum of the year Olive Tumulty and her daughter Lily.

“I don’t think I did anything in particular but I am glad that I have got more publicity for the two charities that I continue to support. And, for me personally, it is lovely that Katie can be remembered.”

Ronan was born five weeks after Katie died. Olive said she was lucky to have had a bit of help in looking after Katie who was a very sick child. Katie had low muscle tone; she could not sit or hold her head up on her own. She had renal failure, cardiac problems, was deaf, and was fed through a tube in her stomach.

“Katie was a lovely, smiling, happy child despite all her illnesses. It was lovely to have her as part of our family, even for such a little while and for Lily to get to know her little sister.”

The title of celebrity mum of the year went to Amelda Maguire, wife of celebrity chef Neven Maguire. The mum of twins, Lucia and Connor, 3, said she was shocked that people had voted for her.

“It must be Neven at all his demos saying about Amelda and the twins. That’s the only thing I can figure out,” said Amelda.

However, readers wanted Amelda to take the title, mainly due to the fact that she had been an inspiration to women who had experienced difficulties during labour. Amelda developed cardiomyopathy a condition where the heart struggles to function, but has now made a full recovery.