Angie Benhaffaf Named Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025

A lifetime of courage, devotion and extraordinary love recognised at national awards

Thursday, 27th November 2025: Family Carers Ireland has named Angie Benhaffaf, from Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, as the Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025, recognising nearly sixteen years of extraordinary care for her twin sons, Hassan and Hussein, who were born conjoined and have faced lifelong medical challenges.

At her twelve-week scan, Angie Benhaffaf was told that her twin boys were unlikely to survive and that she herself might not live through the pregnancy. She refused to give up. Hassan and Hussein were born conjoined, sharing every organ except their hearts and each with only one leg. Since that day, Angie has remained at their side through 75 surgeries, months spent in hospital far from home, and countless medical emergencies. She has slept on hospital floors, gone weeks without rest and fought tirelessly for the care her sons need, all while creating a warm and joyful home for her daughters.

Despite the relentless demands of caring, Angie has raised her children to face their challenges with confidence and possibility. Today, Hassan and Hussein are award-winning para athletes who have represented Ireland four times, bringing home multiple gold and silver medals in wheelchair basketball and athletics. Alongside caring for her family, Angie has also raised more than €105,000 for children’s charities, showing the same determination and generosity that define every part of her life.

Now in their 18th year, the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards recognise and shine a bright light on the vital role of family carers in homes and communities across Ireland. Every week, more than 500,000 people provide over 19 million hours of care, often without sufficient support from the State. Their contribution is valued at over €20 billion a year. 

The event also recognised regional Lidl Family Carers of the Year including Alison McManus from Dublin (Leinster), Brendan Dee from Leitrim (Connacht) and Mary O’Sullivan from Cavan (Ulster), along with four Lidl Young Carers of the Year whose extraordinary commitment and empathy shine through in the care and support they give their loved ones.

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said: “Angie’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, unconditional love and unwavering commitment. What stands out is not only the complexity of the care she provides, but the warmth, positivity and sense of possibility she brings to every day. She has faced some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable and yet has created a family life filled with joy, hope and strength. 

“Angie represents thousands of family carers across Ireland who quietly keep families together and make it possible for loved ones with additional care needs to remain at home. Her story is a powerful reminder that family carers must be fully recognised and supported for the vital role they play. They are an essential part of Ireland’s health system and deserve the resources, services and respect that reflect their immense contribution to society.”

Charity Ambassador and awards host Miriam O’Callaghan said: “Family carers are the heartbeat of so many homes. They make it possible for loved ones to stay together, to live with dignity and to feel secure. Their impact reaches far beyond the families they care for; it strengthens our communities and shows what true kindness looks like. Angie’s story is a powerful reminder of how care transforms lives.”

Robert Ryan, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland added: "For Lidl, being a part of every community in Ireland means more than just providing value in our stores; it means actively supporting the people who form the heart and soul of the communities we operate in. Angie’s story of years of selfless devotion to her children is profoundly moving, and it perfectly embodies the quiet, essential work of all family carers.

“As proud partners of Family Carers Ireland, these awards are an important way for us to shine a light on their inspiring work and show how Lidl cares back. With a pledge to fundraise €1 million over the course of our 3-year partnership, we are committed to continuing to use our platform and our network of stores to champion this vital cause, ensuring that carers like Angie receive the recognition and support they so richly deserve."

Regional Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025 recipients:

Leinster: Alison McManus from Saggart, Dublin cares for her two daughters, Holly and Kayla, who are autistic. A two-time cancer survivor, Alison always puts her girls first. She reduced her work hours to manage medical appointments and be there for them every step of the way. Alison also runs the Little Stars Arch Club in Citywest, which she founded to give autistic children a safe, fun space each week. Balancing work, recovery, and caring for her family, Alison’s strength and compassion inspire everyone around her.

Connacht: Brendan Dee from Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim has spent more than 30 years caring for his wife Rachel, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis early in their marriage and now needs support with many aspects of daily life. When Rachel’s mother Mary was later diagnosed with dementia, Brendan took early retirement to care for both women full time and completed a carer’s course to ensure he could provide the best possible support. He continues to approach his responsibilities with patience, good humour and steady commitment, enabling both Rachel and Mary to remain at home surrounded by comfort and care.

Ulster: Mary O’Sullivan from Cavan Town, Co. Cavan cares for her son, who is autistic, and her mother, who lives with Alzheimer’s. When her mother suffered a fall and a bleed on the brain, she moved to a nursing home, but Mary still visits every morning to help care for her, just as she always did at home. A devoted mother and grandmother, she faces each day’s challenges with quiet strength, compassion and unwavering kindness.

Lidl Young Carer of the Year Award Recipients 2025:

Leinster: Mason and Kian Dooley (16 and 17) from Drogheda, Co. Louth, share the care of their brother Brogan (10), who is autistic and has global developmental delay and an intellectual disability. Nominated by their mother Abigail, she describes them as amazing, always stepping up to help by taking Brogan for walks, to the shop and giving her a few precious moments of rest. She says that they make the family so proud every day for everything that they do.

Munster: Scott Rumgay (22) from Tralee, Co. Kerry, cares full time for his mother Aileen, who has terminal brain cancer. He manages her medication, meals and personal care and attends medical appointments with her, ensuring her comfort and dignity. Nominated by his girlfriend Jade Lawlor, Scott is described as selfless, courageous and deeply devoted, having set aside his own plans to be his mother’s constant source of strength.

Connacht: Mia Doherty, aged 12 from Derryvode, Williamstown, Co. Galway, helps care for her brother Shaun (10) who has a rare overgrowth condition (PROS) and a rare, chronic inflammatory bone disease (CRMO). Always by his side, Mia helps him get ready for school, play and learn new skills, bringing joy and stability to his day. Her mother Áine says Mia shines with kindness and love and is her brother’s best friend and greatest support.

Ulster: Caelen McVitty, aged 11 from Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, supports his brother Oisín (15), who is autistic. Described by his mother Norma as “an amazingly kind and caring young person”, Caelan is always there to offer a helping hand with Oisín’s care needs, to love and protect his big brother and is ready to stand up for him in every way. She says he is “a truly inspirational young man”.