Coleraine woman Tracey named Carer of the Year at the Carers UK Awards 2026
A Coleraine woman has been named Carer of the Year at the Carers UK Awards 2026, recognising her remarkable contribution as an unpaid carer.
Tracey Henry received the national award at a ceremony held at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on October 15. The event celebrated individuals and organisations across the UK working to make life better for unpaid carers.
Tracey is the round the clock carer for her daughter Ellie, who has severe physical and learning disabilities. Ellie is the inspiration for her campaigning work, “Ellies fight for freedom NI” which campaigns for better support for children and families.
Tracey also supports her daughter Kayla who has disabilities as well as her own elderly mother despite her own recent health challenges.
The Carer of the Year award was one of eleven categories in the second year of the awards, proudly supported by Regina. Shortlisted nominees were selected from hundreds of entries, with Tracey announced as the winner in recognition of her outstanding contribution.
The judging panel was made up of business leaders, carers and representatives from Carers UK including last year’s winners ‘Carer of the Year’ Amy Elizabeth and ‘Inspiring Leader’ Rachel Pears.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said: “The awards ceremony was an incredible highlight of our year. For the second year running, we came together to celebrate the exceptional achievements of those striving to make life better for carers – from community groups providing practical and innovative support to truly inspiring leaders showing what a carer-friendly workplace looks like.
" I found it extremely moving and motivating to hear of the fantastic work being done across the UK.
“Day in, day out, millions of people care for friends and family who need extra help, often for many hours, without recognition or support. We need to see greater equality and rights for unpaid carers and The Carers UK Awards demonstrates there are people out there with a passion to create change who are making it happen.
“I’d like to add my congratulations to each and every one of our deserving winners and our shortlisted nominees again for their extraordinary efforts.”