Betty Morris is Carer of the Year!

Following an unprecedented number of applications for the 2013 Carers of the Year, The Carers Association has revealed Offaly woman Betty Morris as the Laois/Offaly Carer of the Year. Cloncarbon resident Betty was presented with her award at a special ceremony in The Carers Association head office in Tullamore last Friday, October 18.

Carer of the Year awards recognise the dedication and enormous contribution of over 6,500 family carers throughout Laois and Offaly.

For 16 years, Betty provided full-time care in the home to her son Seamus, who suffered severe brain injuries as a result of a fall from a horse when he was twelve. Seamus passed away a year and a half ago. Betty also provides care to her other son Noel, who has Down Syndrome, and works outside the home as a caregiver.

The Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Award 2013, sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response, celebrates the contribution of family carers across Ireland.

Betty will now attend a special ceremony which will be held in Dublin on November 5 honouring award recipients from across the country. One family carer will be chosen as Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2013 and the Young Carer of the Year 2013 will also be presented at the awards ceremony hosted by broadcasters and patrons of The Carers Association Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan.

“The Carers of the Year Awards acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the work which family carers carry out throughout Laois, Offaly and Ireland,” Catherine Cox of The Carers Association said. “We are delighted to present the local Carer of the Year Award to Betty Morris. Family caring is a labour of love and following a tough year of cutbacks it has never been more important to recognise the contribution of family carers. This is an opportunity to celebrate carers and their dedication to their loved ones.”