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."
