Bridgette Russell: A mother’s devotion
The Anglo-Celt Community & Sports Awards, in partnership with Mannok and Kingspan, will take place this Thursday evening in the Cavan Crystal Hotel. Bridgette Russell is a finalist for Carer of the Year...
For Bridgette Russell, motherhood has been a journey defined by strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
Her 23-year-old son Finn has Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare neuromuscular disease that results in progressive deterioration in muscle strength and premature death.
Bridgette is Finn’s full time carer, but also his advocate, therapist, teacher, and tireless cheerleader.
Her unwavering commitment to caring for her son has now been recognised with a nomination for the ‘Carer of the Year’ at The Anglo-Celt Community and Sports Awards 2025.
Bridgette was in “shock” when she first heard of the nomination. “It’s been a lovely surprise. This is just something I do. I love my son.”
Caring for Finn is a 24/7 responsibility. From managing medications to helping him eat, bathe, and move, Bridgette’s day revolves around her son’s needs. But her role goes far beyond physical care. Despite the challenges they face, she has built a world around Finn that is rich with love, learning, and joy.
“It’s not always easy,” admits Bridgette, who recently featured in a Celt article to highlight issues around the HSE’s Home Support Care in County Cavan. Finn receives home support care twice a day through an agency hired by the HSE. It amounts to one-hour per day and 75 minutes’ shower time two days a week. However, often there are no staff available to provide the care, especially around holiday time and or when staff take annual leave.
“I have been fighting for everything he needs for years. I have fought and fought and fought.”
Bridgette was told when Finn was born he may have a life expectancy of just 19 years. In a world often afraid to confront mortality, Bridgette considers looking after her son - not as a burden - but as a powerful expression of love.
“He’s my son and I’m his mother, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even when I broke my knee I was on crutches, in a wheelchair, it was horrendous. I felt helpless. But as soon as I could get up, I was back doing what I could for Finn.”
With special thanks to our partners and sponsors in these awards - Mannok, Kingspan, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dovida, Kyte Powertech, CICS Silo Clean and Joe Rowley Windows