Winners of Boots maternity & infant Family Awards 2018 Revealed
The winners of the 11th annual Boots maternity & infant Family awards were revealed at a gala luncheon today in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire. The awards not only recognise the very best products in the industry, tested by parents for parents, they also celebrate the unique stories of some very exceptional people.
Hosts Maura Derrane and Brian Dowling shared these inspirational stories from super siblings to incredible teachers. Iarla Hennessy was named Sudocrem Miracle Baby of the Year having made remarkable progress following a tough entry into the world. Little Iarla was born at 29 weeks gestation weighing just 2lb 4oz. She spent a gruelling first six weeks in the Neonatal Unit followed by another 6 weeks in the Ballinasloe Special Baby Unit. However, she proved to be a real fighter and is now at home with her family in Co. Offaly.
Stephen Murphy, father to ten children, was named Maxi-Cosi Dad of the Year. Stephen was nominated by his wife Rosemary for being such a dedicated and hands on father. Aside from bringing all the children to their various activities and cheering them on, Stephen also adopted Kaitlin, Rosemary’s daughter from a previous relationship. Kaitlin was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder which has become more challenging in her teenage years. Stephen is her number one advocate – constantly making calls and fighting for services for Kaitlin.
It’s not just family members who have gone above and beyond, David King was named Canavan Byrne Early Educator of the Year for being an inspiring, adventurous and passionate educator according to Ann who nominated him. Remarkably, David made a great breakthrough in communicating with a boy diagnosed with autism who had been in his unit for 14 months. Although the boy was non-verbal, when David brought in a “light” table it caught the child’s attention. He first started to play with the blocks on his own before making eye contact with another child playing with the blocks and then, for the first time, sought the attention of one of his peers.
Some outstanding products also took home awards on the day with Boots Non-Contact Thermometer taking home Best Baby Health Product and Mamia being named Best Family Brand. For those looking for a break Breaffy Buddies Kids Club at the Breaffy House Resort in Mayo was named Best Family Hotel of the Year while the Renault Grand Scénic is a good choice to get you there taking home the award for Best Family Car.
Commenting on the winners, Katherine O’Riordan, Event Director said “When caring for your family you want to know you’re using the best of the best and with our winners being selected by parents for parents, these outstanding products represent the best in the industry. We are also delighted to recognise a number of exceptional people who gone the extra mile for both their own and other’s families. I’d like to congratulate all the winners – they really are inspirational.”