Boots maternity & infant Awards 2016

WHERE? Royal Marine Hotel, DĂşn Laoghaire

WHEN?

Friday, October 14th 2016

WHY?

Celebrating the best in the industry as voted, tested and approved by parents, for parents. #Boot smiAwards2016

www.maternityandinfant.ie

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maternity & infant

Julianne Buckley (mum of three) AUTUMN 2016 €3.75/£3.30 AUTUMN2016 ISSUE 57

BE INSPIRED

MEET THE FOOD MUMPRENEURS

BEAUTY & THE BUMP

For the science bit go to

NATIONAL NATIONAL

Parenting nting Product Pr oduct Awards ds IRELAND

Paren t & Expert Panel Approved

sudocrem.com

Always read the label carefully.

FADG-129-02. Date of preparation: November 2015.

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ANTISEPTIC HEALING CREAM

KILL IT FOR GOOD!

Baby Teeth

ALL ABOUT EARLY DENTAL CARE

Autumn Health YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE

STARTING SCHOOL IN STYLE

Happy Days

06

2015

www.maternityandinfant.ie

Generations of soothing, healing & protecting.

TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOU

MAMMY GUILT

9 772009 193014

Ref 1: Testimonial available upon request.

WE’VE GOT THE WHOLE FAMILY COVERED!

24

PLUS ANNABEL KARMEL * EXPERT ADVICE * SUPPLEMENT GUIDE

19/07/2016 22/04/2016 14:41 12:01

20/07/2016 11:57

SKIN CARE CREAM

care & protect

At maternity & infant, we have the whole family covered.

Every issue contains a mix of informative features, expert advice and fun tips to help you get the most out of life as a parent!

Join us on Facebook and log on to

www.maternityandinfant.ie for your daily update, where you will find all the latest trending stories, fashion for both you and your children and amazing giveaways.

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05/10/2016 13:11

1 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

CONTENTS 2

Welcome From Boots maternity & infant Awards

15

• Best for Baby Colic • Best Holiday Product • Best Family Brand

31

• Best Sleep Product • Best Steriliser • Best Baby/Toddler Toy

3

• Best Baby Wipes • Best Pain Relief for Kids • Best Bath Time Product

CanavanByrne Early Educator of the Year

33

5 6 7

• Best in Equality & Diversity • Best Baby Store • Best Pregnancy Supplement

Mothercare Midwife of the Year

17 19 21

34 35

Obstetrician of the Year

8

• Best Innovative Learning Initiative • Best Family Friendly Restaurant • Best Baby Skincare

9

• Best Santa Experience • Best Baby Monitor • Best Breastfeeding Product

37 39 41

BT Child Hero of the Year

• Best Safety Product • Best Maternity Skincare • Best Parent & Baby Activity

23

11

Avonmore Super Milk Young Achievers of the Year

42

13 14

eumom Business Parent of the Year

• Best Parenting Blog • Innovative Product of the Year • Boots Grand Prix Award

43 44

Boots Outstanding Achievement Award

Maternity Advisor of the Year • Best Organic Product • Best Baby Carrier • Best Outdoor Space

• Best Maternity Wear • Best Indoor Learning Environment • Best Buggy

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Sudocrem Miracle Baby of the Year • Best Potty Training Product • Best Baby Thermometer • Best Family Hotel/ Holiday Destination sponsored by Kantar Media

25 26

Irish Daily Mail Grandparent of the Year

27

• Best Car Seat • Best Food & Nutrition • Best Baby Bag

29 30

Lidl Mum of the Year

• Best Feeding Product • Best Trendy Tots Brand • Best Family Car

Super Sibling of the Year

• Best Baby Gadget • Best Travel System • Best Baby Food

Maxi-Cosi Dad of the Year • Best Family Day Out sponsored by Select Hotels • Best Nappy • Best Baby Supplement

Boots Special Merit Award

07/10/2016 12:41

2 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

Welcome to the Boots maternity & infant Awards 2016!

A

very big welcome to you all to this year’s Boots maternity & infant Awards, which once again celebrates and recognises the products and the people who make such a difference in our parenting journeys.

A key component of today’s ceremony is our People Awards. This year we have 14 hugely inspirational stories of true heroes who have made a real difference in people’s lives, whether it’s their own family, clients, patients or even the Irish public. Us judges are always humbled by the stories we receive and we genuinely find it so difficult to choose winners, as every single one of the entries deserves recognition in its own right.

Let’s not forget the winners of our Product Awards too, many of which can be declared “heroes” in parents’ lives too! Our winners are tested and judged by parents, for parents, so you can rest assured that all our winners really are the best of the best.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our judges, nominators and winners for their time over the past few months. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, who once again have given the awards such tremendous support, and our events team for their hard work. Finally, we’d like to extend a big thank you to Boots Ireland for their fantastic support again this year.

Penny Gray

EDITOR, MATERNITY & INFANT MAGAZINE

A word from our sponsor

T

he journey to becoming a parent is an exciting yet daunting time and uniquely different for every mum & dad. With this in mind, we at Boots Ireland are delighted once again to partner and be involved with the maternity & infant Awards this year.

The People Awards are such a fantastic way to celebrate parents, as well as recognising all of the amazing people and unsung heroes around Ireland who are out there supporting them, in addition to the product awards which are so incredibly useful to parents as a guide when choosing between the multitude of baby essentials required once you have a little one!

Care underpins everything that we do in Boots, and so we strive to provide support for parents when caring for their most precious possessions – their children – whether that’s simply for a chat with your local Boots pharmacist

for free baby or parent healthcare advice or with our Boots Parenting Club.

The Boots Parenting Club is exclusive to Boots Advantage Card members who are expecting a baby or have a little one under three and is available to join for free in store or online at boots.ie. As a member, you will receive 10 Boots Advantage Card points for every 1 you spend on baby products every time you shop plus access to exclusive gifts and offers via the Boots App as well as information and advice via regular tailored emails - which we hope will do a little to help parents along their journey.

I’ve no doubt that you will enjoy the awards today, some of the stories are truly inspiring and humbling. I hope that in partnering with the maternity & infant Awards this year that we can help champion every parent’s desire to give their child the best start in life.

Gillian Hennessy

HEAD OF MARKETING, BOOTS IRELAND

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3 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ Aldi Mamia Sensitive Wipes

BEST BABY WIPES

BEST PAIN R E LIEF FO R KIDS

✺ Boots Baby Soft Cloth Wipes Fragrance Free ✺ Jackson Reece Kinder By Nature Unscented Baby Wipes ✺ Johnson’s Extra Sensitive Baby Wipes ✺ SuperValu 72 Newborn Sensitive Fragrance Free Baby Wipes

✺ Buplex Junior Ibuprofen Suspension ✺ Calpol Infant Oral Suspension Sugar Free ✺ Infacol ✺ Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules

✺ ClevaMama Splash & Wrap Baby Bath Towel

H BEST BAT T IME PRODUCT

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✺ Elave Sensitive Baby Bath ✺ Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Bath ✺ Mothercare Aqua Pod ✺ Munchkin White Hot Safety Bath Duck

07/10/2016 09:21

mothercare

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5 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

mothercare MID WIFE OF T HE YEAR

WINNER: LIZ HALLIDAY NOMINATED BY: PATIENT, RUTH MCMANUS

Our Mothercare Midwife of the Year winner was there to support her patient through a nerve-wracking pregnancy, delivery and beyond.

W

hen Ruth McManus found out she was pregnant again, she was concerned that because she was over the age of 40, she wouldn’t be able to have a home birth due to the HSE’s rules.

However, when she discovered the new Neighbourhood Midwives service, her hopes for a home birth were renewed. “While tapping in to an unmet demand for home birth services, NM is not just for home births (with birth pool provided), they also offer antenatal and/or postnatal care at home, a doula service and more,” Ruth explains.

From the start of her pregnancy, Ruth knew she would need a lot of emotional support, and this is where the expertise of her midwife, Liz Halligan, came into play.

“The reassurance of having a trusted midwife by my side is hard to put into words. Liz had the time to listen – if I needed her, she was only ever a phone call away. While thoroughly professional and highly experienced, the practical aspects of the antenatal visits were not her only concern. We had plenty of time to talk through different scenarios and options in a relaxed, unhurried way. No question was too big or too small. I felt listened to and cared for.”

Ruth went into labour at 34 weeks and five days,

in the middle of the night, with the two children asleep in bed and her partner two hours away. “The first person I rang was Liz. Her calm reassurance at the other end of the phone was just what I needed.

I knew immediately that, at such an early gestation, I would have to go to hospital, but this was something that we had already discussed. Liz was with me within minutes and drove me to the hospital. I was very lucky that the hospital staff allowed Liz to stay with me in the delivery room where her support was wonderful. While I was terribly disappointed to end up in hospital and devastated when my newborn was taken up to NICU, I trusted Liz to help me make the best, informed decisions to keep me and my baby safe. Her continued support was hugely important, right through baby’s three days in NICU and the transition home and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with postnatal hormones.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Liz is receiving this award, as I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. Her calm and reassuring presence was a lifeline to me, especially when things didn’t go according to plan. Anyone who has been lucky enough to have Liz as their midwife knows that you couldn’t wish for a safer pair of hands, or a more lovely person to be by your side through thick and thin.”

“Liz’s continued support was hugely important, right through baby’s three days in NICU and the transition home and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with postnatal hormones.”

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6 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

Y MAT ER NIT F ADV ISO R O THE YEAR

WINNER: PAULINE GANNON NOMINATED BY: CLIENT, CIARA MCFARLANE

Our Maternity Advisor of the Year winner goes to a doula who was instrumental in helping her client achieve as close to an ideal birth as possible in difficult circumstances.

W

hen looking ahead to your baby’s birth, most parents-to-be have an idea in their heads of how they would like labour and birth to go.

But as many parents who have been through labour and birth will tell you, sometimes the reality is vastly different from the plan, and the challenge then is to get as close as possible to your wishes and – above all – ensure the safety of both mum and baby.

Ciara McFarlane planned a natural birth using hypnobirthing with her first baby, but unfortunately interventions ended in a traumatic experience that had a knock-on effect on breastfeeding and her confidence as a new mother. For her second child, Ciara then decided to go for a midwife-led birth and to avoid interventions unless absolutely necessary. This was when she met Pauline Gannon.

“I rang Pauline after Googling hypnobirthing and immediately on the phone she made me feel at ease and listened to, which I now know was missing after my first birth,” she explains. “During our first meeting, I told her about my experience; I hadn’t discussed it before this. She gave me a different perspective and gave me so much more information that was necessary to be informed going forward. I chatted to Pauline for nearly four hours

and not once felt rushed. She gave me the courage to fight for the birth that I wanted, in a polite and reasonable way.”

Unfortunately, complications arose towards the end of Ciara’s pregnancy. “After being admitted early due to breach position and told I would need a section I was devastated. I sent Pauline a text and she rang me. She reassured me at a very vulnerable time and said that the hospital was the place for me. I ended up asking the doctors to turn baby and I had my hypnobirth in hospital. The midwives were excellent and using Pauline’s birth plan I got as close to the ideal birth that I could hope for, and my wonderful healthy baby boy was born. Pauline was right about being in hospital as the cord was wrapped twice around his head and we may have run into trouble birthing at home.

“Pauline has a strong presence on social media and opens herself up to women in a very honest and touching way. I’m delighted that Pauline has won this award. Many women hope that their labour will not turn into a medical event or emergency and Pauline supports this but she is equally realistic and supportive if medical help and supervision during labour is necessary. Striking this balance with her holistic approach, in my eyes, makes Pauline worthy of this wonderful award.”

“Pauline gave me the courage to fight for the birth that I wanted, in a polite and reasonable way.”

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7 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

BEST O RGANIC PRODUCT

BEST BABY CARRIER

BEST O UT DOO R S PACE

AWARDS EARLY EDUCATION

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✺ Elmtree Organics Afternoon Delight ✺ Goodies Carrot Cake Cereal Bars ✺ Heavenly Tasty Organics Mini Italian Breadsticks ✺ Mamia Organic Chicken & Vegetable Casserole

✺ Babybjörn Baby Carrier One ✺ Olives & Applesauce Soft Structured Baby Carrier ✺ Stokke MyCarrier Front And Back Carrier

✺ Bessborough Centre Crèche, Cork ✺ Carrickmacross Community Childcare, Monaghan ✺ Grovelands Childcare, Offaly & Westmeath

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8 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ Boots Baby Home Safety Starter Pack

TY BEST S AFE PRODUCT

✺ Boots Baby Padded Harness And Reins ✺ Guard Me™ By Baby Dan ✺ Lindam Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Gate ✺ Mothercare Coolmax Fx Mattress

✺ Bio-Oil

BEST Y MAT ER NIT SKIN CAR E

✺ Elave Dermo Renew Sensitive Skin Balancing Moisturiser ✺ L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser: Day Cream, Night Cream, Serum ✺ La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra ✺ Lidl Cien Intensely Hydrating Hand Cream With Almond Oil And Shea Butter

BEST PAR E NT & BABY ACT IV IT Y

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✺ Harmony Yoga Toddler Yoga Classes ✺ ODEON Newbies ✺ Rugbytots Play Programme For Kids ✺ Water Babies Baby Swimming Lessons

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9 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ Amber Springs Santa Train Experience

TA BEST S AN CE EX PERIE N

✺ Fota Wish ✺ Rathwood Santa Train Experience ✺ Santa’s House Express @ Palmerstown House Estate ✺ Winter Wonderland At Westport House

✺ BT Digital Baby Monitor 350 Lightshow

BEST BABY MONIT O R

✺ Motorola MBP36S Remote Wireless Video Baby Monitor ✺ Motorola MBP662 Connect Wireless Baby Monitor ✺ Philips Avent Sensitive Eco Dect Baby Monitor ✺ Tommee Tippee Digital Video, Movement And Sound Monitor

BEST BR EASTFEEDIN G PRODUCT

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✺ Boots Ultra Slim Breast Pads ✺ Frugi Summer Tie Dress ✺ MAM Breastfeeding Set ✺ Philips Avent Natural Breast Pump ✺ Tommee Tippee Express And Go Range

07/10/2016 09:21

Visual Area

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That’s why we need to top up our levels through foods that offer plenty of Vitamin D – like Avonmore Super Milk, which provides 100% of your daily Vitamin D needs in just one glass**.

Find out more about Super Milk and Vitamin D at avonmore.ie/supermilk

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11 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

YO UN G S ACHIE VER EAR OF T HE Y

WINNER: HARRY & MOLLY FLYNN NOMINATED BY: MUM, MARIA FLYNN

This year’s Avonmore Super Milk Young Achievers award goes to two siblings who have saved their little sister’s life on hundreds of occasions over the last five years.

W

e hear so many funny stories of bickering siblings that we often forget how close brothers and sisters can be – and that even the most warring of siblings still look out for each other in various situations. But going far and above the usual sibling care are a brother and sister duo, Harry and Molly Flynn, who have saved their sister’s life over 200 times in the past five years.

Mum Maria Flynn explains more: “Isabelle has a condition called apnea, which causes her to stop breathing at any moment and die. Both Harry and Molly learned CPR in the Irish Red Cross, and have used it on Isabelle many times to save her life. Her brother Harry first saved her life when he was six years old, while his sister Molly, who is nine, has also saved her life on many different occasions, including one time on a bouncy castle, when she stopped breathing and went unconscious.”

Harry and Molly’s compassion for their sister doesn’t end with the physical, however. “Isabelle also has cerebral palsy, and the doctors had said she would never walk, talk, or have the use of her arms. But thanks to the love and ongoing attention she gets from the kids she has learned to use

her arms and is fully intelligent and even started to walk a month ago.”

Harry and Molly’s experience with their sister has made them passionate about life-saving techniques, and believes that everyone should know CPR and other emergency skills. “Harry and Molly are volunteers with the Irish Red Cross Waterford City branch. They attend weekly training on Monday nights, learning CPR and all first aid skills that adults would learn, and they spend over 100 hours a year doing public demonstrations to teach the public and especially other children how to do CPR and save a life. They want to reach as many children as they can and show them that it is so easy to do CPR and yes it can save a life. Their main reaction on hearing about this award is that now they can tell even more people how to do CPR!” Maria is thrilled that Harry and Molly have been recognised for this award. “When Isabelle is sick she can stop breathing up to 40 times during the day and night and as a single parent you can only imagine just how much rely I on the kids in that situation. Yet they never complain. I am truly blessed to have Harry and Molly; without them, Isabelle would not be alive today. They are definitely her Guardian Angels.

“Without Harry and Molly, Isabelle would not be alive today. They are definitely her Guardian Angels.”

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eumom, Ireland’s largest & most loved Parenting Community Proud sponsor of the Business Parent Award

From conception to labour, toddling to starting school, eumom supports Ireland’s largest community of moms. Since 2001, we have learned that no two journeys are the same and that every mom follows her own path, especially when it comes to her career & childcare needs.

With our expert advice on finding a healthy work/life balance, events to empower and connect, endorsement of family friendly employers and our Mom-preneur series, eumom.ie has grown to support Ireland’s largest community of working moms navigate their Career Paths.

Share your Career Path story and inspire other parents, employers & colleagues by contacting hello@eumom.ie

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BUS INESS F PAR E NT O THE YEAR

WINNER: KEELIN O’KEEFFE NOMINATED BY: SISTER, AIDEEN O’BRIEN

Eumom’s Business Parent of the Year began her company at the most hectic time in a mother’s life, but faced every hurdle with grace and resolve.

I

n 2014, entrepreneur and mum-of-one Keelin O’Keeffe was all set to launch her boutique baby label kiki moon. But in the madness of designing an amazing new baby range, liaising with manufacturers and selecting fabrics, Keelin soon discovered that an even bigger launch was scheduled mere months before this new venture: the arrival of her second child, Kaela.

Undeterred by the hectic times that lay ahead, Keelin, with the love and support of her family, prepared for her latest adventure. It is this inspiring determination and resolve that makes Keelin our Business Parent of the Year.

During a difficult pregnancy, Keelin faced numerous health concerns. Most notably, she suffered severely from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), which left her unable to walk and requiring the use of crutches for most of her final trimester. Keelin’s sister Aideen remains in awe of everything she has accomplished.

“Nothing got in the way of achieving her vision,” Aideen says. “She was so determined that this business was going to happen, and happen it did!”

Keelin’s little girl Kaela was born on March 1st, during a snowstorm in Dublin, and kiki moon launched only a few months later. With unbending determination and an unrivalled work ethic, Keelin has transformed kiki moon from a small home-based business

into a considerable enterprise that is quickly gaining momentum and garnering international recognition.

Keelin now ships her beautiful products to 35 countries worldwide, her biggest market being the UK and Ireland. The impeccable quality and creative flair of her blankets and baby wear have captured the attention of the media at both home and abroad. Recently, Manhattan-based journalist Peachy Deegan praised her blankets as ‘the ideal gift for the young around the world’ and hailed Keelin as someone ‘who is clearly keeping Ireland on top.’ Contributing to the mounting success of kiki moon, celebrity party planner Mindy Weiss (whose client list includes the Kardashians, Ellen Degeneres, Heidi Klum and Pink) is hoping to incorporate kiki moon products into her famed luxury baby showers.

In the face of raising her young son Ethan, bringing her beautiful daughter Kaela into the world and starting kiki moon, Keelin’s resolve to create a better future for her children never wavered. Aideen says, “Keelin has not allowed anyone or anything to dampen her vision. She constantly inspires me with her passion and determination to succeed.” Keelin manages all areas of kiki moon with a flair and finesse that’s exclusively reserved for the giants of enterprise. Yet, when the laptop is closed and the workday has finished, she’s not just an inspiring businesswoman, but also a proud mum of two.

“Nothing got in the way of achieving her vision. She was so determined that this business was going to happen, and happen it did!”

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14 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

BEST Y MAT ER NIT W EAR

BEST INDOO R LEAR NIN G E NT E NV IRONM EARLY EDUCATION

AWARDS

✺ Lidl Esmara Maternity Range ✺ Mothercare Blooming Marvellous ✺ Tiffany Rose Maternity Wear ✺ Zip Us In Jacket Expander Panel

✺ Kilminchy School House, Laois ✺ Naíonra na nÓg, Limerick ✺ Oakview Village Childcare and Early Years Support Centre, Kerry

✺ Maxi-Cosi Stella

GY BEST BUG

✺ Mothercare Nanu Stroller ✺ Out ‘n’ About Double Nipper V4 ✺ The iCandy Peach ✺ Uppababy Vista

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15 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ Colief Infant Drops

BEST FO R BABY CO LIC

✺ Infacol ✺ Philips Avent Classic + Anti Colic Bottle ✺ Tommee Tippee Advanced Comfort Feeding Bottle

✺ CaldeKids Travel Pops

BEST HO LIDAY PRODUCT

✺ Caldesun 50 SPF Children’s Sun Protection ✺ Elave Sensitive Sun SPF 30 ✺ Huggies Little Swimmers ✺ La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Baby SPF 50+

✺ Aldi Mamia

BEST FAMILY BR AND

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✺ Avonmore Super Milk ✺ Babybjörn ✺ Johnson’s® ✺ Pip & Pear Chilled Baby Food

07/10/2016 09:21

childcare

canavanbyrne childcare canavanbyrne

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17 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

childcare

canavanbchyildrcanree canavanbyrne EAR LY OF EDUCAT O R THE YEAR

WINNER: KELLY CHURCHARD NOMINATED BY: PARENT, CHRISTINA SHERLOCK

Our Early Educator of the Year winner has been praised for her warm and encouraging manner with all the toddlers in her care.

M

any mums dread leaving their babies when it’s time to return to work after the end of maternity leave – even if they’re excited to get back to the workplace. But having great childcare that you can trust helps to take the sting out of those first few weeks. For Christina Sherlock, returning to her job in Woman’s Aid after having her second child, Tadhg, was made a lot easier by the fact that she had a crèche that she knew and loved after her experience with her daughter, Orla, who is now five.

Like many parents, Christina admits to struggling at first when leaving Orla in crèche, but found the transition a lot easier with Tadhg thanks to the staff in her chosen crèche, Daisy Days – and one staff member in particular. Kelly Churchard works in the toddler room in Daisy Days, and Christina was immediately taken by her warm character. “Kelly takes a real interest in the child and talks to all the parents at drop off and collection. As a parent, it really put me at ease. She is a really friendly, warm and open childcare professional. You can see that she has high standards and wants all the children to do well.”

Philip Lowry, whose sons Max and Caleb also spent time in Kelly’s room, agrees. “I really cannot stress how nice Kelly is. She is warm not only to the kids but also to the parents. At no stage did I ever feel Max or Cal would not be loved under Kelly, and I think that’s the difference, she doesn’t only mind them she makes them feel loved. I have never seen a bad side or humour to Kelly and I don’t know if one exists.”

In addition, Kelly’s skills as an educator are put to the test in her room. “The toddler room is where the children start to develop the skills they need before heading into pre-school,” Christina explains. “Kelly puts a big emphasis on learning through fun and exploring new experiences, like water play, arts and generally making a mess! Tadhg was a little quiet with his speech for a while and Kelly worked with us to help bring him along.”

Tadhg has since moved on to the pre-school room, but still calls Kelly’s room ‘his room’ and is always delighted to see her. “I am thrilled that Kelly has won this award; she and all the staff at Daisy Days really deserve it for their excellent standard of childcare and their warm and caring ways.”

“Kelly is a really friendly, warm and open childcare professional. You can see that she has high standards and wants all the children to do well.”

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07/10/2016 12:22

Ref 1: Testimonial available upon request.

Julianne Buckley (mum of three)

Generations of soothing, healing & protecting.

For the science bit go to

2015

NATIONAL NATIONAL

Parenting nting Product Pr oduct Awards ds IRELAND

Paren t & Expert Panel Approved

sudocrem.com

Always read the label carefully.

FADG-129-02. Date of preparation: November 2015.

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ANTISEPTIC HEALING CREAM

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19 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

MIR ACLE BABY OF THE YEAR

WINNER: CATHAL DALY NOMINATED BY: AUNT, SINEAD EGAN

This year’s Sudocrem Miracle Baby Award goes to a tiny little boy whose presence here really couldn’t be possible without the miracle of organ donation and a very brave and selfless uncle.

B

aby Cathal Daly was both on August 12th, 2016, weighing in at a healthy 7lbs 6oz. A perfectly normal birth announcement, you would think, except that Cathal’s mum Therese had a kidney transplant only the year before. In March 2015, Therese’s brother Cathal donated his kidney to save his sister’s life – but little did they know that only 17 months later Therese would give birth to the most gorgeous little boy and name it after her selfless brother!

Therese had suffered kidney problems for many years, and received her first kidney from a deceased donor on September 11th, 2001. “Therese was pretty sick before both transplants,” explains her sister, Sinead. “But one thing I will say about Therese is that she was always really positive in what was an extremely tough time for her. Her husband Paul was amazing too, always by her side.”

When Therese got sick again, all of her five siblings were willing to donate and were tested for suitability. Cathal was a full 6/6 match for Therese, which is an exceptionally good match, and the transplant went ahead in Beaumont Hospital.

Both Cathal and Therese recovered well after the donation, and Cathal even went on to captain the winning Kildalkey side in the hurling champion-

ships in September 2015. “Cathal made a speech upon receiving the cup and said it was a personal achievement to go out and win a county final after donating his kidney to his sister Therese. There wasn’t a dry eye on the stand that day!” says Sinead.

When Therese discovered she was pregnant, she was understandably nervous, but the doctors reassured her that she would be monitored closely during the nine months. “Thankfully she had a pretty smooth pregnancy and she really looked after her health. Whenever she went to the Rotunda she had to go to Beaumont too to make sure the kidney was functioning well – which it did throughout and afterwards.”

Happily, Cathal was born safely to his proud parents, and he’s now thriving. “Cathal is doing great. The amount of happiness he has brought into the world for our whole family is incredible and I know none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for my brother’s bravery. I was going to enter him for the sibling award too but he said he wanted baby Cathal to win Miracle Baby. It is a day to celebrate him.

“It’s also great to share their story and to raise organ donor awareness. The gift of life is so special, and it’s fantastic that Cathal is our silver lining out of all of this.”

“The gift of life is so special, and it’s fantastic that Cathal is our silver lining out of all of this.”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 19

07/10/2016 09:21

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13/09/2016 16:34 05/10/2016 29/09/2016 11:05 10:01

21 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ ClevaMama Toilet Training Sleep Mat

TY BEST POT T R AININ G PRODUCT

✺ Huggies Pull-Ups ✺ Lidl Toujours Quick Pants Nappy Range ✺ Pampers Baby Dry Pants ✺ SuperValu Fragranced Flushable Toilet Wipes

✺ Boots Non-Contact Thermometer

BEST BABY ET ER M O M R E H T

✺ Braun Thermoscan 7 Ear Thermometer With Age Precision ✺ Inhealth Medical Dual Mode Thermometer ✺ Philips Avent Bath & Room Thermometer ✺ Tommee Tippee Digital Ear Thermometer

SPONSORED BY

ILY BEST FAM HOT EL / HO LIDAY ION DEST INAT

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 21

✺ Brandon House Hotel Family Getaway ✺ Hotel Westport Family Holidays ✺ Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club ✺ The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort ✺ Westport House

07/10/2016 09:21

Untitled-1 1 Mail_Evoke_MI Brochure.indd 1 1C_Irish Daily

05/10/2016 21/09/2016 11:06 15:01

23 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

BEST LEAR NIN G INIT IAT IVE

AWARDS EARLY EDUCATION

ILY BEST FAM F RIE NDLY NT R EST AUR A

✺ Grovelands Childcare, Offaly & Westmeath ✺ Kilminchy School House, Laois ✺ Outdoor Explorers Preschool, Mayo

✺ Coqbull, Co. Limerick ✺ Cornstore, Co. Cork ✺ No. 9 Café, Co. Waterford

✺ Bepanthen

BEST BABY SKIN CAR E

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 23

✺ Childs Farm Moisturiser ✺ Elave Sensitive Baby Intensive Cream ✺ Storksak Organics Baby Spa ✺ Sudocrem Nappy Rash Cream

07/10/2016 10:24

Untitled-1 1 Mail_You_MI Brochure.indd 1 1C_Irish Daily

05/10/2016 22/09/2016 11:06 14:50

25 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

E NT GR ANDPAR OF T HE YEAR

WINNER: MARY CREAVY NOMINATED BY: DAUGHTER, MELANIE DOYLE

This year’s Grandparent of the Year has a kindness and strength that’s bound her family together through generations.

T

he memories we share with our grandparents during the formative years of our lives often last long into adulthood. The time and tender, cherished moments Mary Creavy has given her family is what makes her our Irish Daily Mail Grandparent of the Year.

As a mother, Mary lovingly dedicated many years of her life to raising her eight children. Once they had grown and had families of their own, she didn’t show any sign of slowing down. Instead, she now spends her days showering her 11 grandchildren, aged from just newborn to eight years old, with all of the love and attention that one person possibly can.

In 2014, for the second time in her life, Mary made the unfortunate discovery of a lump in her breast. Having survived cancer in the past, she made the brave decision to have a double mastectomy, along with radiation and chemotherapy. It was through this difficult time that her strength shone through. “Even though she was in pain from the surgery and sick from the chemotherapy or radiation, she never complained, she just got on with it!” says Mary’s daughter, Melanie. Even through her illness, Mary continued to be a support and a comfort to those closest to her, often happily volunteering her time to look after one of her many grandchildren.

While Mary bravely faced her illness, the Creavy

family was dealt another heartbreaking blow. Mary’s five-year-old granddaughter, Nicole, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Taking after her grandmother in bravery and spirit, Nicole underwent a year and a half of chemotherapy, along with surgery to remove the tumour. Yet, a key comfort during this trying time was knowing that Mary would be by her side through similar experiences. Melanie notes, “They both went through it together, which in a weird way was comforting for them both.” As both lost their hair, Mary kept spirits high by insisting they have a race to grow it back.

(Nicole was victorious in this feat) and turned what would be a trying time into a shared experience between granddaughter and grandmother. In moments when she wasn’t raising spirits to attention, Mary worked quietly in the background of this harrowing time to comfort her daughter, Suzanne, who was watching her child fight this destructive illness. Thanks to their strength and bravery both members of the Creavy family have now received hopeful news from doctors, with Mary being given the all-clear from cancer and Nicole’s tumour reduced enough to stop chemotherapy. Melanie says, “It’s been tough but none of us could have got through this without her strength and unconditional love. I can’t write enough that will explain how much she has done for all of us and our children.”

“None of us could have got through this without her strength and unconditional love. I can’t write enough that will explain how much she has done for all of us and our children.”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 25

07/10/2016 09:21

26 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ Beaba Babycook Plus

BEST FEEDIN G PRODUCT

✺ ClevaFeed

BEST T R E NDY T OT S BR AND

✺ Frugi Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

BEST FAMILY CAR

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 26

✺ Grip - Baby Bottle Gripper ✺ Philips Avent Natural Bottle ✺ Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Feeding Bottle

✺ Lidl Lupilu Range ✺ Little Bird By Jools Oliver ✺ Little Green Dot Organic Baby ‘Eco-cool’ Range

✺ Fiat 500L MPW ✺ Mitsubishi Outlander ✺ Nissan X-Trail ✺ Renault Scenic

07/10/2016 09:37

27 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ BeSafe Izi Modular

BEST CAR SEAT

BEST FOOD AND N NUT RIT IO EARLY EDUCATION

BEST BABY BA G

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 27

✺ Maxi-Cosi 2way Family: Pebble Plus, 2wayfix & 2waypearl ✺ Maxi-Cosi Axiss ✺ Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix & Easyfix Base

✺ Grovelands Childcare, Offaly & Westmeath ✺ Kilfinane Playschool Ltd, Limerick

AWARDS

✺ Babymel Cara Changing Bag In Navy Stripe ✺ Lässig Mix N’ Match Changing Bag ✺ Pink Lining Yummy Mummy Bag ✺ The iCandy Emilia East West Bag - Leather

07/10/2016 10:25

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05/10/2016 29/09/2016 11:06 16:55

29 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

MUM OF THE YEAR

WINNER: CARLA SMITH NOMINATED BY: MUM, BETTY FARRELLY

This year’s Mum of the Year has certainly faced difficult times but through it all, her love for her children has remained a guiding light.

C

arla Smith’s journey through motherhood has often been met with bumps along the road. However, her commitment to providing love and stability for her four wonderful children, aged two, five, six and seven, is why we’ve named her our Lidl Mum of the Year.

When Carla’s first-born arrived in the world, it was an occasion that united the Smith family as a whole. Unfortunately, her second pregnancy would prove a significantly more challenging experience. Not only did Carla develop asthma, but at only 32 weeks’ gestation, she also went into early labour and her newborn had to be placed in incubation.

When Carla was eventually given permission to return home with her child, she felt the tough times were behind her.

However, a few days after returning home, Carla’s new baby fell ill and then lost consciousness. After being resuscitated a total of seven times by emergency services, the child was then rushed to the National Children’s Hospital via ambulance and remained there for 10 agonising weeks. During this time Carla held a full-time healthcare position and worked long hours to support her growing

family. Yet, throughout her next two pregnancies, financial pressures continued to boil over and Carla’s relationship with her partner, the father of her children, began to deteriorate. “Over the next one to two years, there were often times when there was no food and no money to pay bills, and Carla was like a single parent,” says Carla’s mother Betty, who confesses to be in such awe of her daughter’s resilience that she has nominated her for this award. When her youngest child was only eight weeks old Carla made the courageous decision to walk away from a relationship that was verbally and physically abusive. With her four small children, all under the age of five, she carved out a new life.

After living in sheltered accommodation for five months, Carla now has a more permanent home for her children, where she hopes to remain and provide a stable childhood environment.

“I admire her,” says Betty. “Yes, she’s had plenty of times where she has been at rock bottom, feeling isolated, having no money or food and feeling incredible sadness for her shattered dreams and her broken home. But Carla has been both mum and dad to her four children, she’s their one constant. This is the drive behind Carla.”

“Carla has been both mum and dad to her four children, she’s their one constant. This is the drive behind Carla.”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 29

07/10/2016 10:13

30 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

SUPER S IBLIN GS OF T HE YEAR

WINNER: EOIN & JOE KEANE NOMINATED BY: MUM, ANNE MARIE KEANE

This year’s Super Siblings of the Year are two boys who prove that you’re never too young to be role models of kindness and love.

I

n 2014, mum-of-two Anne Marie Keane and her husband John happily discovered they were expecting another child. Both parents were overjoyed by this addition to their growing family but nothing compared to the excitement felt by their two young boys Eoin, ten, and Joe, seven. In a remarkable display of self-control, both boys remained tight-lipped to their friends about their new sibling, even as their excitement doubled over when Anne Marie discovered she would be having twins. “They were so excited, they finally got to break the double news when they got to school on Monday,” says Anne Marie.

Anne Marie unfortunately suffered a tough pregnancy but her boys were always on hand to help. Whether it was taking care of their mother or volunteering for housework, they were always there to make a bad day that little bit easier and a whole lot happier. At 34 weeks’ gestation Anne Marie went into early labour and her beautiful boys Cillian and Conor were born.

Anne Marie and John then discovered that both boys had Down syndrome. While they took time to come to terms with this news, they soon realised their family unit was stronger than ever. After explaining to the boys that Cillian

and Joe would need a lot of love, care and attention from their older siblings, Eoin and Joe revealed the generous and kind nature that makes their parents so proud. Anne Marie affectionately recalls Eoin remarking, “But dad they’re our brothers, why wouldn’t we help them?”

After that the boys settled comfortably into their new roles as older brothers, protectors and role models. Not only do they spend their time building on the speech and physiology skills their brothers are learning, but they also continuously show an active interest in their progress.

Anne Marie says, “they’re always really interested in hearing how they got on at appointments or wanting to know what they have to do for their next appointment.” Even babysitters confess to having little work to do when Eoin and Joe are around, as they insist on attending to their brothers in every way. Not only do they feed, dress and entertain Cillian and Conor, they even bring the boys for their naps. Still, even these inspirational helpers draw a firm line at nappy changing!

“To be honest, my husband works long hours and if it wasn’t for the two boys I’d never manage. They’re fantastic little men and I’m very proud of them!” Anne Marie says.

“My husband works long hours and if it wasn’t for the two boys I’d never manage. They’re fantastic little men and I’m very proud of them!”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 30

07/10/2016 12:22

31 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

BEST S LEEP PRODUCT

✺ Baby Elegance Healthcare Pocket Spring Mattress ✺ Chicco Next2me ✺ Clevasleep+ ✺ MAM Night Soother ✺ Pabobo Super Nomade

✺ Boots Baby 2-In-1 Combination Steriliser

BEST R ST ERILISE

✺ Boots Baby Electric Steam Steriliser

BEST BABY/ T ODDLER TOY

✺ Bigjigs Toys Stegosaurus Pull Along

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 31

✺ Philips Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser ✺ Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Steriliser

✺ Early Learning Centre Sand And Water Table ✺ Little Green Dot Stripe Handmade Elephant Toy ✺ Tiny Love Double Sided Crib Toy

07/10/2016 09:21

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05/10/2016 10/03/2016 12:10 26/01/2016 11:08 09:04

33 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

BEST IN & E Q UALIT Y DIVER S IT Y EARLY EDUCATION

AWARDS

BEST BABY ST ORE

BEST Y PR E GNAN C NT SUPP LEME

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 33

✺ Grovelands Childcare, Offaly & Westmeath ✺ Oakview Village Childcare and Early Years Support Centre, Kerry

✺ Baby Elegance Baby Store ✺ Boots Ireland ✺ Mothercare Ireland

✺ Boots Pregnancy Support Plus ✺ DLuxPregnancy Vitamin D Oral Spray ✺ Pregnancy Plus ✺ Spatone Liquid Iron

07/10/2016 10:26

34 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

IAN OBST ET RIC OF T HE YEAR

WINNER: DR MEABH NÍ BHUINNEAIN NOMINATED BY: PATIENT, AOIFE MCDONNELL

Our winning Obstetrician of the Year has been praised by her patient for her kindness, patience and understanding during a nerve-wracking pregnancy.

A

ny pregnancy can be nerve-wracking as you anxiously count down the weeks and days to your due date, but when you’ve lost a baby at a late stage in the past, it can be even more harrowing. Aoife McDonnell sadly lost her baby boy Robbie at 34 weeks, and when she became pregnant in November 2015, she opted for the best care she could find – and that was Dr Meabh Ní Bhuinneain in Mayo General Hospital and Ballina Clinic.

“Choosing Dr Meabh was the best decision I ever made,” Aoife says. “She is the most understanding, patient and kind doctor, I have the height of respect for her and she has looked after me so well from Day One. I feel she has made a personal effort to make sure that everything goes well for us, and even at 34 weeks, which was when we lost our precious baby boy Robbie, I felt at ease knowing she is looking after me.”

Aoife first met Dr Meabh when she was 12 weeks’ pregnant. “I travelled down to Ballina from Castlebar every four weeks and she would not let me leave until I saw her.

The first time I met her, she listened to every worry I had, and answered honestly every

question I had. She took the TIME to listen and that means a lot. She didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear to keep me happy, she told me the truth, she gave me statistics and she was honest and that made me trust her 100 per cent.”

As Aoife’s pregnancy progressed, she travelled to Mayo General Hospital to be reviewed each week, and as Dr Meabh had been made Dean, she occasionally saw other doctors. “I missed Dr Meabh’s honesty and her presence, so you could imagine my delight and relief when I saw her walking into the room to discuss my care once again. She was there to see me through the tricky stage around 34 weeks, and thanks to Dr Meabh I now have my beautiful baby girl asleep in my arms and that’s all that matters.”

Aoife is delighted that Dr Meabh has won the award and hopes it shows just how much she is appreciated by her patients. “I am delighted that Dr Meabh has won the award.

She is so deserving of it. She works so hard and is so busy and yet she will give all her time to you to make you feel at ease. I trusted her from the minute I met her and I knew I was in safe hands.”

“Dr Meabh didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear to keep me happy, she told me the truth that made me trust her 100 per cent.”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 34

07/10/2016 09:21

35 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

✺ Baby Elegance Pram Hook

BEST BABY GAD GET

✺ Baby In-Sight Mega Mirror ✺ Brush-Baby Baby Sonic Electric Toothbrush ✺ Mothercare XSS ✺ Sooth Sensory Teething Bib

✺ Baby Elegance Cúpla Travel System

BEST T R AVE L SYST EM

BEST BABY FOOD

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 35

✺ Cosatto Giggle 2 ✺ Mothercare Genie ✺ Stokke Xplory ✺ The iCandy Strawberry

✺ Aldi Mamia Organic Range ✺ Heavenly Baby & Toddler Snacks ✺ Organix Baby Ring Biscuits Banana ✺ Pip & Pear Chilled Baby Food Range

07/10/2016 09:21

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05/10/2016 27/09/2016 11:11 13:29 15/07/2016 12:16

37 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

RO CHILD HE OF T HE YEAR

WINNER: BILLY KIELY NOMINATED BY: MUM, CHRISTINE SHANAHAN

The BT Child Hero of the Year winner really puts the “super” into “superhero” as his proud mum and nominator explains.

C

hildren constantly amaze us with their coping skills in often tricky situations, but some have to endure things we can’t even begin to comprehend. Eleven-year-old Billy Kiely suffers from a rare progressive disease called Hunters Syndrome, which causes painful joints, heart problems, enlarged liver and spleen, development delay and speech problems. Billy is also almost completely deaf and suffers painful carpal tunnel in his hands. Yet despite all he has had to go through in his life so far, Billy always has a smile on his face and a genuine joy for life.

“Billy is my superhero and the bravest boy I know,” his proud mum Christine Shanahan told us. “I may be a little biased as I’m his mum but everyone who knows Billy is blown away by his courage, his constant smile and infectious laugh. Even though every day is a battle for him he never lets the pain get to him and always manages to put a smile on everyone’s face.”

Every week, Billy has to go through a fourhour treatment to try to slow down the progression of the disease, as well as numerous other appointments and procedures, including

physio and occupational therapy. He also suffers a lot from joint stiffness and respiratory infections. “Despite all the medical appointments, Billy never gets down and loves nothing better than going to school to be with his friends and just be a normal kid. As parents we just strive to keep him as happy and healthy as he can possibly be. Billy never gives up and always has a smile on his face so we must do that too.”

As Billy gets older, dealing with the disease gets trickier as it is progressive and therefore raises more challenges as the years go on; however, Christine is hopeful that advances will be made. “Billy is on ERT (enzyme replacement treatment) at the moment and his condition is relatively stable. We hope to maintain this for as long as possible, but ERT only slows down progression unfortunately. However, a lot of advances have been made in clinical trials so we are always hopeful for the future.”

Christine is thrilled that Billy is getting this award and that his courage and bravery is being recognised. “I have the most rewarding job in the world cause I am mum to a superhero.

Billy loves Superman, Spiderman and all the superheroes, but to us he is the most amazing superhero of all.”

“Billy loves Superman, Spiderman and all the superheroes, but to us he is the most amazing superhero of all.”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 37

07/10/2016 09:21

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05/10/2016 29/09/2016 11:40 10:00

39 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

DAD OF THE YEAR

WINNER: PAT CAREY NOMINATED BY: SON AND WIFE, AARON & AISLING CAREY

This year’s Dad of the Year has proven himself a quiet hero, never seeking praise or recognition for his kind nature and good deeds.

I

n life, dad is often the person who is there to pick you up when you fall. But Pat Carey doesn’t just pick his children up off of the ground, he also helps them soar. For this reason, he’s been named our Maxi Cosi Dad of the Year. When Aaron Carey was born with severe heart defeats, it was the beginning of a scary time for the family. When his newborn son required openheart surgery at just four days old, Pat remained a quiet strength by his hospital bed. During these early days the silence of the ward was only broken by the nightly chanting of Pat’s favourite lullaby at his son’s bedside, You’ll Never Walk Alone, which Aaron, now 15 years old, still insists is ‘our song.’

In the years since, Aaron has undergone two further open-heart surgeries and his father has remained an unwavering presence. When Aaron is out in the world he feels safe in the knowledge that, no matter what, his dad is no further than a quick text away.

When Pat isn’t lighting up the children’s wards with his impressive vocals, he’s dedicating his time to his tremendous charity work. Working tirelessly for Heart Children Ireland and Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Pat spends his time organising car boot sales, Christmas fairs and even skydiving jumps in his fundraising attempts.

Yet it’s not these feats of bravery or acts of amazing kindness that sets Pat apart from the other dads.

For Aaron, it’s Pat’s inclination to avoid any thanks or praise for his efforts and achievements that makes him truly deserving of this award. Aaron says, “I don’t have enough words to describe how much my dad deserves this award. I have so much to say about him but it’s hard to write it all down.”

Aaron is proud to witness, first-hand, this hardworking and selfless nature his father dedicates to every aspect of his life. Whether at work, in his role as a caretaker in a local school, or at home, Pat moves through his day, quietly ensuring everyone has what they need. Even with his busy schedule Pat never fails to carve out quality time for Aaron, but no time they spend together is more sacred than watching a Liverpool match. Both avid fans of this legendary team, Aaron explains that a Liverpool game is exclusively ‘our time.’

Unfortunately, Aaron is aware he’ll need further surgeries as he grows older. His only comfort is that with his dad by his side, as he always has been, this future seems significantly less daunting. “I need more open heart surgeries in the future and I know I’ll need my dad there with me,” says Aaron.

“Right there by my side is where he will be.”

“I don’t have enough words to describe how much my dad deserves this award. I have so much to say about him but it’s hard to write it all down.”

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 39

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05/10/2016 30/09/2016 11:13 10:16

41 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

SPONSORED BY

✺ Imaginosity Dublin Children’s Museum

BEST FAMILY DAY O UT

✺ ODEON Kids ✺ Tayto Theme Park & Zoo ✺ Viking Splash Tours ✺ Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park

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BEST NAPPY

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MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 41

07/10/2016 09:21

42 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

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BOOT S GR AND PRIX A WARD

MI 2016 Brochure pp1-44.indd 42

The Boots Grand Prix Award is a special commendation for outstanding excellence & exceptional achievements in a product or service.

This winner is acknowledged as an innovative market leader, standing out for their dedication to the highest quality of standards and an outstanding contributor within this industry.

07/10/2016 09:21

43 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

IN G O UT ST AND E NT ACHIE VEM A WARD

WINNER: RON RICHARDSON NOMINATED BY: CLIENT, CLODAGH WHITE

This year’s Boots Outstanding Achievement Award goes to a man whose perfect attention to detail when it comes to fitting carseats saved the life of one small client.

J

uly 9th, 2016, was a normal day for Clodagh White and her young family. Her 12-year-old daughter Meabh was going to a birthday party, and she strapped her two-year-old son Rian into his extended rear-facing car seat before they all went to drop Meabh off to the party.

Unfortunately, they never made it to the party, as en route, the car was involved in a serious collision, as Clodagh explains. “Every single part of my being shook with the impact. I instinctively threw my left arm out to hold back my 12-year-old daughter, who was a front seat passenger.”

Both Meabh and Clodagh suffered horrific injuries. “My little girl cracked the base of her skull, C1 vertabrae in her neck, multiple bleeds on the brain, contusion to one of her lungs and a fractured pelvic bone. I ensued injuries to my pelvis, cracked sacrum and fractured pubic bone. I spent one month in hospital on bed rest and physio work.”

Thankfully, Meabh is now back in school on a part-time basis and doing well, although still suffers from post-concussion syndrome. Clodagh is still in pain with her injuries and may be facing surgery in the next few months.

Miraculously, however, Rian escaped without injury. “It was nothing short of a miracle that he

was physically virtually unharmed, not a scratch or bruise. He did start vomiting and was brought to UCHG for two nights observation and tests. His CT scan revealed no abnormalities.”

Clodagh credits one man with Rian’s escape from injury – Ron Richardson at the RSA who had guided Clodagh when fitting Rian’s carseat. “Only four days before my accident I contacted Ron and sent him a video link of one of the seats, which was clearly not installed correctly. Ron gave up his time after a working day to watch my video and explain to me in clear detail what I needed to do to remedy the situation. I immediately acted on his advice and both seats were rock solid as a result. In fact, the only two parts of my car that weren’t destroyed by the crash were my two carseats!

“Ron’s passion for and belief in child carseat safety exceeds the hours he works for at the RSA Check It Fits roadshows. He is an active member of a very popular and busy car seat forum on Facebook and is called on daily to offer advice and solutions to carseat dilemmas.

“Only for Ron and his advice I shudder to think of the consequences. Ron, in my eyes, is as equal a hero to any surgeon, medical consultant etc.

He saved my little boy’s life and I’ll forever be indebted to him.”

“Ron, in my eyes, is as equal a hero to any surgeon, medical consultant, etc. He saved my little boy’s life and I’ll forever be indebted to him.”

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44 Boots maternity & infant awards 2016

S PE CIA L MERIT A WARD

WINNER: CLARE CLARKE/CLIMB4CLARE NOMINATED BY: FRIEND, WENDY SCANLON

This year’s Boots Special Merit Award remembers an inspirational mother who used her battle with terminal cancer to help children whose parents had been diagnosed with cancer.

B

eing diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at any age is heartbreaking both for the patient and the family, but when you’re a young mum, having to explain the diagnosis to your children can be even more agonising.

Such was the dilemma facing Clare Clarke who at the age of 29 was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.

Her friend and neighbour Wendy Scanlon explains more: “Clare underwent surgery and chemotherapy but one of her main worries was how she could explain to her girls, Katie, who was nine at the time, and Ava, who was just a baby.”

Aggressive treatment helped, and Clare was cancerfree for four years. Sadly it came back, and this time with secondaries in her lung and her leg, and eventually going to her brain, spine, and liver.

“Clare wanted to get support for her children after diagnosis but when she went for help, she found that only one cancer centre in Tuam and one in Northern Ireland had a CLIMB programme (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) where children between the ages of 5 and 12 are given help to deal with a family member’s cancer diagnosis,” Wendy explains.

“Clare was shocked at the lack of support and decided to help.” And so Climb4Clare was born as the brave young woman decided to bring the help she needed

to Dublin and throughout Ireland so other families could get the advice and support that they needed.

Everyone rallied round to make Clare’s dream happen. Clare herself gave a speech at The Ladies Gaelic Football Association Annual Congress, made an appeal at the 2014 TG4 All Star Awards and appeared on Ireland AM in November 2014.

“Thanks to Clare’s efforts, CLIMB is now in 22 out of 35 cancer centres,” says Wendy. “The aim is to have the programme available in all of the 35 cancer care centres nationwide. The programme helps children with their feelings of anger, sadness and fear in different ways and lets them mix and speak with other children who are going through the same thing.”

Sadly, on the day the first facilitators finished their training, which was funded by Clare’s efforts, Clare passed away at the age of 35 with her family round her. “Clare leaves behind a huge legacy,” says Wendy, who also lost her mother at the age of 12 to cancer. “She amazes me how brave she was and how she turned a tough experience into a positive thing.

She spent her time fighting for her family and other families. If only I had someone like that helping me and my mother when she was diagnosed with cancer. I have no doubt every cancer patient with young children is grateful for Clare’s work in providing them and their kids with support.”

“I have no doubt every cancer patient with young children is grateful for Clare’s work in providing them and their kids with support.”

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Thank you for helping care for and cure Ireland’s sick children

Crumlin patients continue to need heroes like you!

If you’re into walking, jogging, running, cycling, climbing, endurance challenges, adrenaline rushes or even baking and drinking coffee we have a way for you to make a huge difference in the lives of Ireland’s most seriously ill children

Call us today on lo-call 1890 507 508 or Go to www.cmrf.org to see what you can do to help

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05/10/2016 11:44

introducing points for every €1 you spend on baby products every time you shop

Plus • Tailored gifts and offers for you and your little one • Exclusive advice, inspiring ideas and the latest news when you need it

Join in store today or at boots.ie/parentingclub

Parenting Club is exclusive to Boots Advantage Card holders who are pregnant or have a child under 3. Offers are available through the Boots App and Parenting Club emails only. We will only send you Parenting Club emails if a valid email address has been provided. Email communications will cease as your child turns 2. For full latest terms and conditions see boots. ie/parentingclub. Featured products available in larger Boots stores and on boots.ie, subject to availability.

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