Top honour for Trim carers

Trim couple Paddy and Anne Peppard were named as Ireland's Carers of the Year 2009 at an awards ceremony in Dublin last week. The Peppards, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, have an extraordinary life story. They currently provide care for their 42-year-old son, Leslie, who received brain injuries and is wheelchair-bound following a car accident where he was knocked down at the age of four. Paddy (70) and Anne (74), who have three other grown-up children, also provided full-time care for their six other children who all tragically passed away from cystic fibrosis. The Carers' Association's Carers of the Year Awards, now in its fifth year, was set up to formally recognise the enormous contribution of Ireland's 161,000 family carers who provide over 3.7 million hours of care each week to their loved ones in the home, where most prefer to live. "We are delighted to present this award to Paddy and Anne Peppard who have dedicated their lives to caring full-time for their son, Leslie, and their other six children who so sadly passed away. This year, we have seen nominations for family carers across the country increase by 20 per cent to 1,200. These awards are so important to formally recognise the enormous contribution of our family carers, who provide loving care in spite of the financial, physical and mental challenges that often come with caring," said Enda Egan, CEO of the Carers Association. Nominations for Paddy and Anne Peppard all cite the phenomenal care provided to their children and their contribution to the local community. One nomination stated: "Leslie's health has deteriorated over the years, both physically and mentally, and he is now confined to a wheelchair. Both Patrick and Anne, now in their 70s, look after him 24/7, while trying to include their other three children and grandchildren. I think they deserve a medal." Presenting the awards to the regional and overall recipients of the Carers of the Year Awards were patrons of The Carers Association, TV presenter Mary Kennedy, football legend Mick O'Dwyer and Aine Brady, TD, Minister for Older People. Trim Town Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Ray Butler, said: "Well done to Paddy and Anne. It is a great honour. Paddy and Anne said it is not about them but about highlighting carers in general in Ireland and the work they do. I am delighted for Paddy and Anne and it is a great honour for the town."