Belfast woman scoops prestigious Caring Award

A Belfast woman has won a £2,000 holiday in the sun as a reward for the love and attention she has shown to her family and others through very difficult times.

Frances McGreevy from Turf Lodge won the prestigious 'Falcon Holidays Carer of the Year' award after the tour operator, in association with Sargent Cancer Care for Children, launched its search last year for the province’s unsung heroes.

Having supported her husband through his cancerm caring for him until he passed away in 1987, Frances’ world came falling down when her 11-year-old daughter Diane was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1991.

However, thanks to her mum’s love and support, 21-year-old Diane now enjoys an active life and, along with Frances, uses her own experience to help other cancer patients cope with their illness.

Diane, who nominated her mum for the Falcon award, said: “When I was diagnosed with leukaemia, so soon after my dad passed away, it was a huge shock for my mum. I guess she thought she was going to watch me die but I’m glad to say that, with my mum’s help and support, I am here to tell the story.

“She’s the best and was by my side through every stage of my treatment."

Now Frances, and Diane, dedicate their lives to helping other children with cancer. Frances has spent the last five years fund-raising voluntarily in her own time while Diane has used her own experiences to talk through the various stages of her illness with other patients and help them to cope.

The Falcon Holidays Carer of the Year Award was set up in 1997 by the company to reward unsung heroes within different charitable organisations. (MB)