Devon Carers Award Scheme 2008

This award scheme is to run annually and is open to all unpaid child and adult Carers across the whole of Devon!  

Following on from the official launch in June 2007, we were extremely pleased to be able to hold our second award ceremony for 2008 on the 24^th October 2008 at the Sandy Park Rugby Stadium, Exeter.  It was a huge success and we were overwhelmed with the number of people who took the time to attend - in fact 93 people attended altogether.

This year we were pleased to have celebrity guest, Debbie McGee, who presented the various awards on our behalf.  She spent a great deal of time meeting our guests/nominees and making their day even more special!  

Not only did we have Debbie McGee present, the ITV Westcountry film crew attended and filmed the presentations for us which was broadcasted that evening on the 6 o'clock news.  

Our finalists and the prizes that they received were:

Child category

• Thomas Assafuah

Aged 11 years

Carers for his mother - has been for over 3 years

Nominated by his mums Occupational Therapist, Miriam Fallon

Miriam Fallon told us Thomas is "an absolute star"

We were told that Thomas helps his mum with no hesitation; he is cheerful and friendly; Thomas is able to use specialist equipment to help his mum - he listened and learnt how to use the equipment with skill for exceeding his years.

Thomas received a 10ft trampoline for his garden

• Benjamin Davies

Aged 8 years

Carers for his mother and has done so for approximately 5 years

Nominated by his mother

Benjamin makes sure that all his mums needs are taken care off and also looks out for his sister too.  His mum told us that Benjamin always helps and never complains.  Benjamin's mum wants Benjamin's support recognised "to show him others know he is special too".

Benjamin received a scooter, skateboard, radio control Dr Who dalek and a selection of goodies to include, amongst other things, a Dr Who bag, book and cuddly bear

• Katie Davies

Aged 5 years

Katie is the younger sister of Benjamin Davies

Katie's mum told us that Katie has been helping her brother for approximately two years.  Katie always makes sure that the house is tidy and enjoys helping in the garden.  Katie's mum said that "Katie is a very loving and caring little girl".

Katie received a scooter, fashion laptop and a selection of goodies to include, amongst other things, a bag, umbrella, cushion and a cuddly pig teddy bear.

Adult category

• Christine Oliver - receiving the ‘DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL' award

Aged 57

Cares for her brother, Richard Stanley

Christine was nominated by her husband, Paul Oliver, for this award after Paul saw it advertised in the Express & Echo.

Paul told us that after Christine's parents sadly passed away Christine made the decision that she would care for her brother rather than see him go into a home.  Christine looks after Richard everyday helping him with just about everything that he needs and has done so for approximately 20 years.  Christine endeavours to make sure that Richard is loved and has a good life, full of love, care and devotion.

Christine Oliver received a Swarovski crystal butterfly and a £200 cheque

• Jane Walker - nominated for the ‘JOSIE WESTLAKE' award

Aged 45

Cares for her parents whilst managing to cope with her own health problems

Jane was nominated for the award scheme by her daughter, Olivia Spry.

Olivia told us when she nominated her mum that Jane cares for her mother and father who both have suffered with serious health problems.  Jane decided that it would be best for them all if her parents moved into her own home so she could care for them.

In October 2006 Jane was diagnosed with a deadly form of skin cancer.  Whilst dealing with her own health problems Jane has also made sure that her mother and father are still looked after.  Olivia told us that she always carries on as best as she can with cooking, cleaning and accompanying her parents with their appointments and much more.

Olivia asked us to consider Jane for this award scheme because she is a wonderful, devoted mum.

Jane Walker received a Marks and Spencers food hamper and a £250 cheque

• Henry Barrett - receiving the EDF ENERGY award

Aged 67

Cares for his wife - has been her carer for 46 years

Henry (or Harry has he is also known) married his wife, Janet, in 1961.  They have a daughter called Julia who was responsible for nominating Henry for the award.  Henry and Janet also have a granddaughter called Rosanna.  Not only does Henry do everything for his wife he also runs the local neighbourhood watch group and keeps ‘an eye' on the elderly residents in the road.  On top of all of that Henry will also visit them in hospital or ensure they have some visits during the day at home if they have been unwell.

Henry Barrett received a selection of water colouring items and a £250 cheque.

All our runners up received a £35 gift voucher from Marks and Spencers.  They were:

•§         Alexis Ingham

•§         Caroline Carmichael

•§         Janet Helmore

•§         Kevin Helmore

•§         Madeleine Clegg

•§         Angela Parrott

•§         Paul Gill

•§         Rosie Bowden

It goes without saying that without the support of our sponsors we would be able to purchase such fantastic gifts for all nominees who take part so we would like to thank our sponsors for their support.

If you would like further information about the Devon Carers Award Scheme and 2009's event please contact Stacey Bryant or Laura Andrews on 01392 258 451.