Awards recognise efforts of city's dedicated carers

THE TIRELESS dedication and commitment of city carers has been celebrated at a special awards ceremony.

The emotional event aimed to highlight the hard work carried out by an army of carers in the city every day.

CEREMONY: Applause at the Carers Awards, with (right) awards and winners
HONOURED: From left, Diane Corbin collects the award for Rosemarie Barnes; Margaret Mahoney and Anthea Tompa

Margaret Mahoney, Rosemarie Barnes and Anthea Tompa were all given accolades at the Plymouth Carer of the Year Awards after being nominated by friends and family.

"I was completely surprised to be told I was up for an award," said Margaret. She cares for her husband Cavan who has multiple sclerosis and problems with his sight. She added that the event was a great way to give carers a pat on the back while showing what support services are available to them in the city.

"If I need anything I will go to them," she said. "It is nice to know there is someone if you need them and to know there are other people out there in the same position as me."

Now in its seventh year, the luncheon ceremony is organised by Friends and Families of Special Children and the Plymouth branch of Carers UK.

Also presented with an award was Anthea Tompa. She said it was great to be recognised for her dedication to looking after daughter Jolan, who is in her 20s and has severe epilepsy and autism. "There are lots of other worthy carers out there," she said.

Collecting an award on behalf of Rosemarie Barnes from Manadon was her cousin Diane Corbin. Rosemarie devoted more than 50 years of her life to caring for her son Clinton before he passed away in February. He developed disabilities shortly after he was born in July 1958 due to water on the brain. Rosemarie's cousin Diane Corbin, who nominated her for the Carers Award, said: "She deserves it because she's such a wonderful person and mother. She has devoted her life to caring for her son full time. He was her only child and he was her life."

Chris Coombe, vice chairman of Carers UK Plymouth branch, said the event was a great success and was the perfect opportunity to showcase the work of city carers. "Every carer is an award winner but we have just highlighted the commitment of three," he said.

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