Donna Thorn and Paul Dyer

Donna Thorn and Paul Dyer have been nominated for Grandparents of the Year

Grandparent of the year nominees Donna Thorn and Paul Dyer have been described as their daughter's rock following a tragic loss two years ago.

In August 2022 Donna's daughter Jade lost her baby Carlton-Paul, causing immense heartache in the family.

'These grandparents have gone through the loss of a grandson and has been our rock, they both have to say their goodbyes when their grandchildren come over for holidays once or twice a year as they live in the UK which also brings out some sadness,' she said.

In addition to only seeing her grandchildren occasionally, Donna's eldest grandson was born with a major heart condition so they provide support by going over to help with their younger granddaughter, while their daughter is supporting her son in hospital.

Donna said while it is a shame to not see her two grandchildren more often, she is sure to make the most of it when she is with them.

'We get up to a lot of mischief, it's just really nice to be able to do things with them that I wasn't able to do with my children because I was working so much, we've got them for a week this summer so we'll be going to the beach a lot as they don't get that luxury in the UK.'

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