Local Lady, Mary Sullivan of Ladbroke Grove wins Great Gran of the Year at the Grandparents of the Year Awards

Mary Sullivan wins esteemed Great Gran award in national competition

Local resident Mary Sullivan from Ladbroke Grove won the 'Great Gran' category in Yours Grandparent of the Year awards 2012. The Yours awards, in association with over 50s insurance provider RIAS, celebrate the significance of grandparents and recognise the important role they play by sharing their wisdom, experience, love and support with their families.

Mary, known as 'Small Nanny' to her family, takes care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren two days a week. Mary was nominated by her grandaughter Sabrina for her dedication and the time she puts in on a regular basis to look after her whole family. 

The awards ceremony for Yours Grandparent of the Year took place at the London Hilton on Park Lane where Mary and other guests enjoyed a luxurious afternoon tea. TV Presenter and celebrity grandmother, Janet Ellis, hosted the event and commented that, "Last year the standard of entries was incredibly high and this year was no exception."

Mary said, "I had a great day at the awards ceremony and really enjoyed myself. In all my 84 years, I have never worn make-up and I loved the makeover.  I am blessed with my five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, I love them all the same and they all mean the world to me!" 

Valery McConnell, editor of Yours magazine and judge of the awards, adds, "Yours Grandparent of the Year Awards prove that older women (and men) make a vital contribution to making Britain better.  This year, we had hundreds of entries, packed with moving, amazing stories of grans and granddads holding families together. Best of all, we had a record number of entries from grandchildren of all ages – keen to tell us about the difference their grandparent was making in their lives. From their stories it is clear today's gran is also a childminder, bank, nurse, best friend, housekeeper and peacemaker - and frequently still does the ironing. It's time to celebrate worthy winners like Mary – and give grandparents the credit they deserve."

Peter Corfield, Managing Director at RIAS comments, "RIAS is proud to be a part of Yours Grandparent of the Year awards. Now in its second year, the awards really highlight the great job grandparents are doing across the UK. A huge congratulations to all of our winners, including Mary – a truly remarkable Great Gran!"

RIAS recorded all the action from the awards ceremony which you can watch at the RIAS and You section of the website to see each of the finalists receive their prize.