Cork woman Angie Benhaffaf named Carer of the Year

Cork woman Angie Benhaffaf has been announced as the Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025.

Ms Benhaffaf, from Carrigtwohill, has been recognised for nearly 16 years of care for her twin sons, Hassan and Hussein, who were born conjoined and have faced lifelong medical challenges.

At her 12-week scan, Ms Benhaffaf was told that she and her children might not live through the pregnancy.

However, her twins, now award-winning para-athletes, were born sharing every organ except their hearts, and each with only one leg.

Alongside caring for the twins through 75 surgeries, months spent in hospital and countless medical emergencies, Ms Benhaffaf has also raised more than €105,000 for children’s charities.

Catherine Cox of Family Carers Ireland, said Ms Benhaffaf’s story is one of “extraordinary resilience, unconditional love, and unwavering commitment”.

“She has faced some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and yet has created a family life filled with joy, hope, and strength,” said Ms Cox.