WATCH: Inverness mother and daughter jointly named Highland Heroes carer of the year

Kelly Macrae and Savannah Kelly were delighted to be named carers of the year.

The mother and daughter jointly took the title, sponsored by Parklands Care Homes, at the Highland Heroes ceremony organised by Highland News and Media.

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While mum Kelly was also nominated in the event's fundraiser of the year category she was keen that daughter Savannah (13) should take the lion's share of the glory on the night.

Kelly is also mum to nine-year-old Amelia who was born at 32 weeks weighing only 3lb.

She was diagnosed with global development delay and autism, is non verbal and has epilepsy.

Thanks to the support of Savannah, Kelly has raised more than £85,000 which has been put to good use by Drummond School based in Inverness for children with special needs, and the special care baby and renal units at Raigmore Hospital.

They’ve repeatedly raised funds for the children’s ward at Raigmore Hospital, with Savannah raising £1200 to provide toys for young patients and their siblings forced to spend time in hospital last Christmas.

Kelly insisted at the time of her nomination: “The real hero isn’t me. It’s my daughter Amelia and her older sister Savannah (13).

"Savannah understands what it’s like to be the sibling of a sick child so she has raised more than £1000 and bought toys for the children in hospital over Christmas and their siblings.

"She knows that the siblings are often forgotten about and she wanted to make sure they had a Christmas to remember.”

Judges for the carer of the year category were told by Kelly and Savannah's nominee: “Savannah never moans about helping with her wee sister or having to spend so much time at the hospital.

"Recently Savannah noticed that Amelia, aged nine, was having a seizure; she stayed calm and was quick to raise the alarm which meant Amelia’s seizure was treated quickly.”

Kelly, mum to five children, added: “There is so much love between Savannah and Amelia. Savannah’s needs often have to come after Amelia’s but she is a carer hero. I wish neither of them had to experience illness or the knock-on effects. We’re thrilled to have been nominated; kind words make the tough times a little easier.”

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