Angie Benhaffaf, mother to twins Hassan and Hussein, who were born conjoined, named Carer of the Year

Ms Benhaffaf was honoured in Dublin today for years of extraordinary care for her twin sons, Hassan and Hussein, who endure lifelong medical challenges.

At her 12-week scan, Ms Benhaffaf, from Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, was told her twins were unlikely to survive and that she herself might not live through the pregnancy. She refused to give up.

Though the boys shared every organ, except their hearts and each has only one leg, Ms Benhaffaf instilled in her children the belief they could do anything.

Receiving the award, Ms Benhaffaf said: “It’s been a tough year for all of us. To finish up this year on such a high and receive such a huge acknowledgment – it means everything to me. I’m quite overwhelmed…

“When my sons came into the world, our lives were turned upside-down, but for the better. I do an annual charity lunch called Cork Wears Red and over the last 10 years, with my children, we’ve raised €105,000 for children’s charities.”

Ms Benhaffaf, who dedicated her award to all carers, has supported the 16-year-olds through 75 surgeries, months spent in hospital and during medical emergencies.

Angie Benhaffaf with her twin sons Hussein and Hassan with former president Michael D Higgins. Photo: Maxwell.

Hassan and Hussein have now represented Ireland four times, bringing home multiple gold and silver medals in wheelchair basketball and athletics.

The event also awarded regional Lidl Family Carers of the Year to Dubliner Alison McManus.

Ms McManus, from Saggart, cares for her two daughters, Holly and Kayla, who are autistic. A two-time cancer survivor, she reduced her work hours to manage medical appointments and to be there for her loved ones.

“I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 21,” Ms McManus said. “Fast-forward 10 years later – I got breast cancer. This is before the kids were born.

“At 31, I was getting married, I had chemo, surgery, radiotherapy.”

Gene therapy revealed the mother was at risk of developing cancers and she was advised to get a hysterectomy.

“But me and my husband just got married – I wanted a baby,” she said. “The doctors said with all the surgery and chemo, it was highly unlikely. I asked to please give me a year and I had Holly.

“Then the surgery was cancelled during the pandemic and I got pregnant with Kayla.”

The carer adores her children but she has to work as an administrator to pay for private therapy for her daughters, due to long public waiting lists.

“This recognition is amazing but the Government needs to recognise carers every day and drop the means test on carers. It’s incredibly hard looking after children with needs, caring, working, taking kids to therapy and looking after my own health. We need more from the Government and soon”, she said.

Ms McManus also runs the Little Stars Arch Club in Citywest, founded to provide autistic children a safe, fun space.

The other regional winners were: Brendan Dee from Leitrim (Connacht) and Mary O’Sullivan from Cavan (Ulster), along with four Lidl Young Carers of the Year.

Leinster young carers Mason and Kian Dooley (16 and 17), from Drogheda, Co Louth, share the care of their brother Brogan (10), who’s autistic and has global developmental delay and an intellectual disability.

Nominated by their mother Abigail, she describes them as amazing, always stepping up to help by taking Brogan for walks, to the shop and giving her a few precious moments of rest. She said they made the family so proud every day for everything that they do.

Munster’s Scott Rumgay (22), from Tralee, Co Kerry, was recognised for the care he provides full-time for his mother Aileen, who has terminal brain cancer.

He manages her medication, meals and personal care and attends medical appointments with her, ensuring her comfort and dignity. Nominated by his girlfriend Jade Lawlor, Scott is described as selfless, courageous and deeply devoted, having set aside his own plans to be his mother’s constant source of strength.

Connacht’s Mia Doherty, (12) from Derryvode, Williamstown, Co Galway, was recognised for the care she gives to her brother Shaun (10) who has a rare overgrowth condition (PROS) and a rare, chronic inflammatory bone disease (CRMO). Mia helps him get ready for school, play and learn new skills, bringing joy and stability to his day. Her mother Áine said Mia is her brother’s best friend and greatest support.

While Ulster young carer Caelen McVitty (11) from Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, supports his brother Oisín (15), who’s autistic. Described by his mother Norma as “an amazingly kind and caring young person”, Caelan helps offer a helping hand with Oisín’s care needs.

Charity ambassador and awards host Miriam O’Callaghan presented accolades to each recipient.