As a midwife at Ireland's busiest maternity hospital, Brenda Billington is used to putting others first. It is part and parcel of her job - assisting families in one of the most daunting, exciting, life-altering moments of their lives.
Those who know Brenda, a midwife at Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, say she exudes positivity, reassurance and confidence, both professionally and in everyday life. These traits have always been an asset to her in her line of work, but during the pandemic, they made all the difference to hundreds of new mothers who needed that extra boost of optimism.
Brenda didn't falter during the pandemic. With her sunny disposition and her willingness to help, she continued to show up to work and make the birthing process as seamless as possible for new parents.
She took a risk going to work every day during the pandemic and put aside personal challenges along the way, Brenda's husband Kevin explains.
"Truth be told, the last year has brought ill health to Brenda's parents and my parents and placed considerable stress on her family. She’s juggled her career, family life and caring for her elders, and takes it all in her stride."
"She gives so much of herself to everyone, that there’s not time for self-care."
Kevin said his wife suffered hearing loss following a diving accident and he'd noticed her hearing ability was deteriorating.
He wrote to Hidden Hearing last year to nominate Brenda for the 'Gift of Hearing' revealing that although she is struggling, she hasn’t had the time to pursue treatment. Hidden Hearing responded to Kevin by gifting Brenda brand new hearing aids to help her to hear the most beautiful sound that life has to offer – the cry of a newborn baby.
Hidden Hearing is once again looking for nominations for heroes like Brenda who deserve the 'Gift of Hearing' this Christmas. They are giving away €50,000 worth of hearing aids to those most deserving.
Nominate a loved one for the Gift of Hearing this Christmas by submitting here: https://www.hiddenhearing.ie/lp/gift-of-hearing.
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