National honour for Leinster's top carers

Full-time family carers, Paddy and Anne Peppard from Trim, have been announced as Leinster's Carers of the Year. The award was presented at a special ceremony last Thursday in Trim Castle Hotel hosted by The Carers' Association as part of its National Carers of the Year Awards 2009. The Peppards have been chosen from a substantial number of nominations as Leinster's Carers of the Year 2009. Paddy (70) and Anne (74) provide full-time care for their son, Leslie (38), who received brain injuries following an accident when he was four years-old. The Peppard's also sadly lost six sons to cystic fibrosis at very young ages. The couple provide round-the-clock care for Leslie, who is wheelchair-bound and suffers from epilepsy. Nominations for Paddy and Anne Peppard all cite the phenomenal care provided to all their children and their immense contribution to the local community. One nomination says: "They are loving, gentle and caring people who have devoted all their life to their son, Leslie, and their six sons that passed away", while another states: "They have always given a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on to their family and neighbours alike." David Lowbridge, regional manager of The Carers' Association, said he was delightedn the association was presenting this award to Paddy and Anne Peppard who have dedicated their lives to caring for their much-loved children. "Paddy and Anne continue to be an inspiration to all who know them and truly deserving of the accolade of Leinster's Carer of the Year 2009," he added. As Leinster's Carers of the Year, the Peppards will be guests of honour at The Carers Association's National Carers of the Year Awards in Dublin on 18th November. They will be joined by fellow regional award recipients from Dublin, Munster and Connacht/Ulster and one of the regional recipients will be announced Ireland's Carer of the Year, along with the Young Carer of the Year. The Carers of the Year Awards are sponsored by Emergency Response Ltd. The Carers' Association is the national voluntary organisation of family carers in the home, providing support services, respite, training and information to carers throughout Ireland. The association can be contacted on the National Careline Freefone 1800 24 07 24 or see www.carersireland.com