Carer Catherine through to national final
Hard-working mother-of-one Catherine Barnes from Kilanerin has been selected to represent Wexford in the National Carer of the Year Awards in Dublin later this month.
Catherine was nominated by her friends Cinnamon Blackmore and Emma Byrne for the CarePlus Pharmacy Carer of the Year Award and was announced as the overall winner for county Wexford last week. She will go to the finals to represent her home county.
She has been caring for her son Sean since birth. The young 12-year old has scoliosis, epilepsy, autism and is non-verbal. He is susceptible to bone breakages and has undergone several surgeries throughout his life. Sean requires round-the-clock care and attention. Through lengthy hospital stays, Catherine has been with him all the time.
‘He has no sense of danger and could have a seizure at any given time,’ said Catherine, who gave up work to be a full-time carer. ‘He normally attends St Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy but got his scoliosis operation last year and is recovering still.’
Speaking about her fantastic achievement, Catherine said she is delighted but quite shocked as well. ‘ I was not expecting it all,’ she said.
Catherine’s husband Ciaran is a great support. He works Monday to Friday in Dublin, and returns home to help care for his son Sean.
Cllr John Hegarty, chairman of Gorey Municipal District, congratulated Catherine on her achievement.