‘Mark Holliday is a patient, quiet, unflappable person with a sense of humour, who, over the years, since he and his wife stepped in to fill a vacuum to provide the necessary care and loving environment for an infant – a grandson with special needs – has undertaken the major role of step-grandfather,’ said Anne Hutchings, who put Mark forward for the award.
‘Mark realised that to be a mentor and carer for this youngster would be a full-time role so, unselfishly, took early retirement to fit into a role which is now permanent. He and his wife moved after searching for a home with a garden, an environment where the little boy would be safe.
‘Mark does the school run and together, granddad and grandson go and feed their goats besides enjoying family activities.
‘Both grandparents attend meetings which involve learning more about their grandson’s condition. The boy, now six, is their priority.
‘Mark and his wife, now in their later years, have sacrificed the respite retired folk expect to dedicate their lives to caring and supporting the little lad.
‘Those already caring for children, and especially one with special needs, are aware how demanding, tiring and often stressful it can be but also know, like Mark, how loveable and interesting the children are.’
Chris Stagg has been nominated for the Grandparent of the Year award, which is sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
‘Absolute superstar’ Georgina Wills has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, which is sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Hayley Bull has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
‘Loving’ Jade Reynolds has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Josie and Steve Merrien have been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Kath and Ernie Huxter have been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Lisa and Karl Marshall have been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Mandy Priore has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Marybell ‘Bubbles’ Barnes has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
‘Loving’ Milly Sarre has been nominated for Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Peter and Jenny Clarke have been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Sally and Martyn Ogier have been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, which is sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Sandy Dyke has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
‘Spectacular’ Susan Bostrom has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Vanessa Guilbert has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.
Verena Symons has been nominated for the Grandparent/s of the Year award, sponsored by Channel Islands Coop.