The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dedication leads to award for Fife carer
Woman’s efforts to help loved ones are recognised by Crossroads group
A Cowdenbeath woman’s dedication to helping others has been recognised with an award.
Helen Hodgkinson was named carer of the year at the annual Crossroads Caring Scotland awards ceremony.
Crossroads Caring Scotland helps thousands of carers fulfil their roles by providing support in the home.
The awards recognise the efforts carers make to help their loved ones continue to live at home enjoying full and satisfying lives.
Awards were made to four carers from across Scotland who have dedicated themselves to caring for their loved ones.
Despite having health problems herself, Helen cares for her husband who has vascular dementia.
Other members of her family also require her support due to ill health.
Helen was nominated by her Crossroads Fife Central support worker for her kindness, patience and thoughtfulness towards others.
Mainly, she was recognised for “remaining strong for her wider family whilst dealing with the life changing effects of dementia”.
Andrew and Jacqui Macleod from Lochaber received an award for the care they have given to their daughter Rowan, who was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Also honoured was Maurice Shabbir from the Lothians, whose wife Celia suffers from early onset dementia.
Presenting the awards, MSP Kate Forbes highlighted the huge contribution carers make to society.
“I don’t think there is any award grand enough to honour the sacrificial love and care that these carers show every minute of every day.
“They are the heroes who know what it is to sacrifice sleep, comfort and personal decisions for the sake of somebody else.
“Each of the carers represented here today personify selflessness and an inherent belief in human dignity, as they care for somebody else. We are used to celebrating wealth, fame and power on society’s terms, but these loving parents or partners demonstrate true heroism.”
Margaret McCarthy, chief executive of Crossroads Caring Scotland, said: “One of the aims of Carers Week is to highlight the challenges that carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities.”
Each of the carers represented here today personify selflessness and an inherent belief in human dignity. MSP KATE FORBES