Mother of three, Charlene Dickey, has been announced as Northern Ireland’s top Mum. Derry’s Orla McLaughlin announced as a runner-up. PIX: DARREN KIDD/PRESSEYE
MUMS from Co Derry and Derry city have swept the boards at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Mother-of-three Charlene Dickey from Coleraine, East Derry, was announced as Northern Ireland’s top Mum at a prestigious awards ceremony held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
And Orla McLaughlin from Derry was a runner up along with Anouska Black from Co Down.
Thirty-five mums from across the North of Ireland were honoured at the SuperValu SuperMums ceremony.
SuperValu Portstewart’s SuperMum Charlene was crowned the winner by a judging panel for working tirelessly to raise over £120,000 for a life-changing operation for son Oliver, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, which led him to take his first steps just months later.
Charlene is now an inspiration to other mothers as she supports other families who have children with Cerebral Palsy, offering help, guidance and information.
Hundreds of nominations were received for the competition sponsored by Magnum and Robinsons, from inspiring mothers and 35 finalists were chosen from SuperValu stores across Northern Ireland.
The grand final was hosted by TV personality Claire McCollum who crowned Charlene the overall SuperValu SuperMum 2016, presenting a family trip to Disneyland Paris, courtesy of Clubworld Travel.
SuperValu SuperMum 2016 winner Charlene Dickey and runners-up Orla McLaughlin from Derry And Anouska Black from Co. Down with their families, alongside host and media personality Claire McCollum and SuperValu Head of Marketing Desi Derby.
Speaking of her win, Charlene said: “I really can’t believe I have won, I didn’t realise my sister Shona had even nominated me.
“To be told I am the SuperValu SuperMum for 2016 has left me totally speechless, especially as I was nominated amongst so many wonderful mums.
“When Oliver was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy it was a big shock for my husband and I but we were determined to give him the best quality of life we could.
“We’re still taking it one day at a time but to see Oliver take his first steps and kick a football, there is no greater feeling.”
Kate Ferguson, SuperValu Communications Manager, said: “Congratulations to Charlene on being crowned SuperValu SuperMum 2016!
“This year we were overwhelmed with wonderful mums and their selflessness and Charlene truly is a SuperMum, not only in the incredible fundraising work she achieved to help her son Oliver walk, but in the support she is giving back to the community and those families in a similar situation.
“There are so many inspirational mothers across Northern Ireland who show such humility when dealing with life’s challenges.
“I would like to congratulate all 35 of our SuperMum finalists as they are all very deserving,” Kate added.
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