Last updated at 09:49, Monday, 07 January 2013

A CARING auntie who stepped in to raise her niece after a family tragedy has been awarded the Evening Mail’s Bouquet of the Week.

BOUQUET OF THE WEEK --- 75-year-old Martha Emmett (left) recieves the Evening Mail Bouquet of the Week from niece Katie Irvine (right). Martha Emmett has lived on Barrow Island nearly all her life. Thursday 3rd January 2013. HARRY ATKINSON REF: 50042932B000.JPG

After losing her mum at the age of 10, Katie Irvine was brought up by her auntie, Martha Emmett.

Katie describes the 75-year-old as her idol.

She nominated her for the award to show her how much she means to her family and friends. Since leaving school, Martha has worked all her life and has spent the last 23 years working as a carer.

Katie said: “She really is my idol. She never complains and looks after residents who are younger than her.

“She also brought me up with her late husband when my mam passed away when I was 10 years old.

“She is always helping others and has worked as a carer for 23 years in the same place.

“My auntie is very well liked and loved by everyone that knows her and I just want her to know how much she means to me and how much she is appreciated as I feel she never gets told enough.

“She is a very strong character who has had passion for every job she has done. She was also my rock when her husband died, even though she was grieving herself she always put me first.”
 

First published at 09:47, Monday, 07 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk