THE MOTHER OF twin boys who were conjoined at birth has been named Carer of the Year.

Angie Benhaffaf, from Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, was recognised for her 16 years of “extraordinary care” for her twin sons, Hassan and Hussein.

At her twelve-week scan, Benhaffaf was told that her twin boys were unlikely to survive and that she herself might not live through the pregnancy.

Hassan and Hussein were born conjoined, sharing every organ except their hearts and each with only one leg.

A spokesperson for Family Carers Ireland said Benhaffaf 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.

Angie Benhaffaf reacting to being named Lidl Family Carer of the Year Mark Stedman Mark Stedman

Hassan and Hussein have grown up to be 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, Benhaffaf has also raised more than €105,000 for children’s charities.

Catherine Cox of Family Carers Ireland remarked that “Angie’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,” added Cox.

“Her story is a powerful reminder that family carers must be fully recognised and supported for the vital role they play.”

Now in its 18^th year, the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards recognise 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 and Family Carers Ireland remarked that this is “often without sufficient support from the State”.

Their contribution is valued at over €20 billion a year.

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting family carers across the country.

Meanwhile, Alison McManus from Saggart, Dublin was named the Leinster Family Carer of the Year, Brendan Dee from Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim picked up the Connacht award, while Mary O’Sullivan from Cavan Town was awarded the Ulster regional award.

Family Carers Ireland also held awards for Young Carer of The Year.

Mason and Kian Dooley (16 and 17) from Drogheda won the Leinster title, Scott Rumgay (22) from Tralee in Co Kerry won the Munster award, Mia Doherty (12) scooped the Connacht award and Caelen McVitty (11) from Ballyconnell in Co Cavan won the Ulster award.