An extraordinary woman, who opened-up her home following a family tragedy that left her niece parentless, has been presented with this year’s Power NI-sponsored Caring Spirit Award.
Alison received the accolade during the Spirit of NI Awards in Belfast – an event attended by the great and the good to celebrate and honour the province’s many unsung heroes.
The Caring Spirit Award recognises someone who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member and was presented by television legends and close friends Linda Robson and Debbie McGee, alongside Gwyneth Compston – CSR Manager at Power NI.
When Alison’s niece lost her mother and father, she didn’t hesitate to open her home and her heart and provided a safe place that guaranteed stability and offered compassion. In short – Alison became the one person that her niece knew she could depend always on.
A few years later, Alison lost her best friend. Again, despite dealing with her own grief, Alison stepped in to care for her friend’s sister after she suffered a stroke while also caring for her own father after his cancer diagnosis – one week after her mother’s own diagnosis.
Caring Spirit Award
In the darkest moments, Alison has shown remarkable strength and dignity to all those around her, becoming the light of hope amongst dark times. As her daughter put it: “Mum, you are the heart of our family, our caring champion, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.”
Power NI’s CSR Manager, Gwyneth Compston, co-presented Alison with the award. “Power NI has been a proud part of the local community in Northern Ireland for 95 years, providing energy and support to homes, businesses and community organisations,” she said.
“We are delighted to once again sponsor the Caring Spirit Award and celebrate the many incredible individuals who put the needs of others before themselves,” added Gwyneth.
“Their dedication and determination inspire us daily, and we are honoured to recognise those making a real difference to the lives of others in our community.
“Alison’s compassion and selflessness reflect the values we hold dear, and Power NI is pleased to play a part in recognising and celebrating such remarkable people in Northern Ireland”.
This is the ninth consecutive year Power NI – Northern Ireland’s largest energy provider – has sponsored the Caring Spirit Award at the Spirit of NI Awards. Now in its 17th year, the awards took place at the Culloden Estate and Spa, bringing together famous faces from the worlds of television, film, music and entertainment to honour extraordinary people.
