A Derry mum of two has won a top award in recognition of her role as a carer.
Lisa Brown (40) received the Carer of the Year Award at the Northern Ireland Life After Stroke Awards.
The gala event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick as part of Make May Purple - the annual campaign to raise awareness of stroke. The award ceremony was hosted by BBC presenter and Stroke Association patron Noel Thompson.
The Life After Stroke Awards celebrates the achievements of stroke survivors, carers, health professionals and volunteers throughout Northern Ireland.
Lisa, a library assistant from The Loup in Co Derry, is a carer for her husband Peter who had a stroke in 2014 aged just 45 years old. In the initial period after his stroke Peter could not talk or walk but with the support of Lisa and physiotherapy and speech and language Peter’s recovery has progressed. Peter continues to live with common effects of stroke including fatigue, right sided weakness and aphasia – a devastating communication disability which affects his ability to communicate.
As well as caring for Peter and their two sons Ben and Euan, Lisa has also had to face problems with her own health.
Last year Lisa completed a series of chemotherapy for a bowel tumour and although her life was turned upside down,
Lisa continued to support Peter’s physical and emotional recovery from stroke. She encouraged Peter to attend the Stroke Association Communication Support Group in Antrim and as his recovery has progressed, Lisa has supported Peter to become a volunteer to help other stroke survivors.
Lisa said:she was “very surprised and delighted” to have won the award.
She added: “After Peter’s stroke, it was incredibly difficult to tell my young sons that their dad was seriously ill. After the initial shock, the long terms of effects of stroke have been difficult to deal with but we’ve worked through this together as a family.
"Our two sons have been an incredible support to both Peter and I and I’m just so proud of them. I think I’ve just done what anyone else would have done in my situation but it’s lovely to have something so positive happen in recognition for what we’ve been through.”.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.