Ballyfermot woman is Dublin’s carer of the year

A SELFLESS Southside woman who doesn’t go on holidays, travel or socialise to ensure her parents have the best care possible has won the Dublin Carer of the Year Award.

Linda Yourell (54), from Ballyfermot, was presented with the award at a special ceremony at the West County Hotel, Lucan Road, Chapelizod.

Cllr Vincent Jackson presented Linda with the accolade for her dedication in providing full time care to both her parents, who are 84 and 85 years-of-age.

Her father has Alzheimer’s and her mother has serious mobility problems following major surgery 20 years ago.

For the past two decades Linda’s life has been dedicated to the care of her parents. She doesn’t go on holidays, travel or socialise and her life revolves around ensuring her parents have the best care.

She was appraised for her unwavering attention to detail and her light-heartedness and constant smiles that are a joy not only to her parents but also to all her family.

She always puts her parents first, sacrificing invitations to events in order to maintain the same level of care her parents have become accustomed to having throughout their lives.

Linda is also always willing to help her neighbours and friends in any way she can.

Speaking on the award presentation, Cathy White of the Carers Association said: “We are delighted to be presenting this award to Linda who has dedicated her life to caring for her parents. Linda is an inspiration to those in her community and we are proud to recognise her devotion to providing care for her loved ones.

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The Carers of the Year and Young Carer of the Year Awards are based on a national nomination process where members of the public nominate their chosen family carers from across Ireland.

They are hosted by the Carers Association and sponsored by Tunstall Emergency Response to recognise the enormous contribution of family carers.

Linda and her family will be guests of honour at Ireland’s Carers of the Year and Young Carer of the Year National Awards Ceremony 2012 to be hosted by patrons of the Carers Association and RTÃ? broadcasters, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan, on Wednesday, May 30, in the Westbury Hotel.

“These awards are so important for recognising the enormous contribution of family carers who provide care for their loved-ones, often with little acknowledgement. We are very grateful for the continued support of Tunstall Emergency Response for making these awards possible,” said Ms White. See www.carersireland.com