Paddy Philips posthumously honoured as Carer of the Year

PROUD MOMENT Paddy Philips’s sister Áine and brother TomΡs accepted the award on behalf of Paddy.

The 2016 Mayo Carer of the Year has been awarded to the late Paddy Philips, RIP, from Orlar, Kilkelly.
Paddy was nominated by his family in acknowledgement of the love and care he provided to his mother, who was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago. Sadly, Paddy passed away earlier this year, on April 13. Paddy’s sister Áine and brother TomΡs accepted the award on behalf of Paddy on Tuesday last, October 25.
Commenting, Bernadette Moran, Family Carers Ireland, Support Officer for Mayo said, “We are delighted to be able to honour the memory of Paddy Philips in such a special way. Paddy was an exceptional person, who gave so much love and care both to his mother, and to everyone around him.
 “Paddy was the main carer for his mother, who has dementia. Paddy had a terrific can do attitude, and according to his family when his mother was diagnosed, he was very practical and positive about her care. He was incredibly good to his Mum, and to his 13 nieces and nephews who miss him greatly every day.”
All entries into the Carers of the Year Awards receive a commemorative certificate and Paddy’s sisters, Áine, Mairead and Mary will go on to represent Paddy at the National Carer of the Year Awards which will take place in the Westin Hotel, Dublin on November 16. May he rest in peace.
One family carer will be chosen as Ireland’s Carer of the Year 2016.
This is the tenth year of the awards ceremony, and for the first time, there will be four regional Young Carers of the Year Awards.
The 2015 year saw a 400 per cent increase in nominations for Young Carer of the Year.