Tipperary Mother Wins Tipperary Red Cross Carer of the Year

Mother of five-year-old triplets, Michelle Russell, from Carrick-on-Suir is the Tipperary Carer of the year 2015.

Michelle, who cares for her son Cillian on a full-time basis was presented with her award at a ceremony at the Mansion House Dublin last Saturday.

“Michelle is a mother of 5-year-old triplets. Cillian needs 24-hour care, yet my other two kids want for nothing,” said her husband Michael who nominated her for the award.

Michelle is an active fundraiser for charities such as Bumbulance, Temple Street Children’s Hospital by running the Dublin City marathon.

Irish Red Cross acting Chairman Tom Horwell noted Michelle’s ability commitment to Cillian while looking after her two other children and supporting charities.

“It is extraordinary that Michelle gives so much commitment to Cillian and can still be so generous with her time to fundraise and to help other people. She embodies one of the Red Cross’s seven Fundamental Principles, voluntary service,” Mr Horwell said.

Michelle tends to wheel-chair-bound Cillian’s wounds, administers his medication, feeds him and deals with his personal hygiene.

The Irish Red Cross supports carers with the ‘Helping You to Care Course’ which provides knowledge and skills to the care giver so the recipient will experience optimal quality of life.

The Irish Red Cross also published the Carer’s Handbook, a fully illustrated guide for those looking after someone ill, elderly or with a disability.