The mother of twin boys who were conjoined at birth has been recognised for the care she has given them amid their "lifelong medical challenges".
Angie Benhaffaf, from Carrigtwohill in Co Cork, was named '2025 Carer of the Year' at an event in Dublin organised by Family Carers Ireland.
Organisers said Ms Benhaffaf received the award for her "extraordinary resilience", saying her story was a "powerful reminder" that family carers must be fully recognised and supported for the "vital role they play".
Hassan and Hussein were born conjoined in December 2009, sharing every organ except their hearts.
They were successfully separated in a surgery in 2010.
The event heard that at her 12-week scan, Ms Benhaffaf was told that her twin boys were unlikely to survive and that she herself might not live through the pregnancy.
Today, the boys are para-athletes.
Family Carers Ireland said Ms Benhaffaf has also raised more than €105,000 for children’s charities through her various fundraising activities down through the years.
According to Family Carers Ireland, there are now 500,000 people providing care to family members, often, it says "without sufficient support from the State".
Head of policy with Family Carers Ireland Catherine Cox said the country's carers are "an essential part of Ireland’s health system and deserve the resources, services and respect that reflect their immense contribution to society".
The event also recognised a number of other carers from different regions of the country, as well as paying tribute to the young carers who are looking after their family members.
