Inspirational Charlene '˜speechless' after Supermum award

A Coleraine woman who works tirelessly to help families of children with Cerebral Palsy has been named Northern Ireland's top mum.
Charlene Dickey,  Northern Ireland's top mum, pictured with husband Neil, awards host Claire McCollum and Desi Derby, SuperValu head of marketing. Pic: Darren Kidd / Press Eye. INCR 40-797-CONCharlene Dickey,  Northern Ireland's top mum, pictured with husband Neil, awards host Claire McCollum and Desi Derby, SuperValu head of marketing. Pic: Darren Kidd / Press Eye. INCR 40-797-CON
Charlene Dickey, Northern Ireland's top mum, pictured with husband Neil, awards host Claire McCollum and Desi Derby, SuperValu head of marketing. Pic: Darren Kidd / Press Eye. INCR 40-797-CON

Inspirational mother-of-three, Charlene Dickey was honoured at the SuperValu Supermums awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

Charlene was crowned the winner for her efforts to raise over £120,000 for an operation for son Oliver, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, which led him to take his first steps just months later.

And she now supports others who have children with Cerebral Palsy, offering help, guidance and information.

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.”

From hundreds of nominations received, 35 finalists were chosen from around the province. The awards ceremony was hosted by TV personality Claire McCollum who crowned SuperValu Portstewart’s SuperMum Charlene the overall winner, presenting a family trip to Disneyland Paris, courtesy of Clubworld Travel.

Congratulating Charlene on her success, Kate Ferguson, SuperValu communications manager, said: “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.”