Deserved awards for battle with heartache

Jul 11 2003

By Sara Wallis, The Evening Chronicle

They have struggled through heartache and tears - but today the Stellings are celebrating after becoming the Chronicle's Family of the Year. Champagne corks popped at last night's emotional awards ceremony at Newcastle's Copthorne Hotel, as Watts and Yvonne Stelling accepted their prize with their children, Nicola and Lisa. The family has battled on despite the grief of losing siblings to illness and murder, bringing up two children, one of whom has Down's Syndrome, and supporting elderly parents. Watts, of Leadgate, Consett, said: "It is wonderful to win but we are all winners. It is fantastic that we can pull together and show people in the North East how important family is. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT Watts' sister, Margaret Jopling, who nominated them, said: "I knew they deserved to win, they have been through so much. I am so happy and can't believe it." Margaret explained to the Chronicle how shortly after the pair married, Yvonne's sister died from a brain tumour and a few years later her mother became very ill, needing round-the-clock care and help with thrice-weekly visits to hospital for dialysis. In 1985, the couple had their second daughter, Lisa, who was diagnosed shortly after birth with Down's Syndrome. At first it put enormous strain on the family, especially as Nicola was only three at the time. The following year, Watts' father suffered a stroke and, like Yvonne's mum, needed extra care and attention. This was on top of Lisa's regular hospital appointments and repeated surgery to help with her heart problems. Some years later, Watts' younger brother, John, was murdered. And a further six months on, Watts' mum died, leaving him and Yvonne to care for their father, who was still seriously affected by his stroke. And on top of all this, the family were making regular trips down to Sheffield to attend the trial of John's murderer. Watts' father died in 2001. Last summer Lisa underwent major heart surgery, which put the family under yet more strain but the operation was a success, and Lisa made a good recovery. The next bombshell came months later, when Yvonne was diagnosed with breast cancer and was admitted for a mastectomy, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Now they have won £2,000 of holiday vouchers together with £400 spending money. Yvonne said: "I don't know where we will go because I honestly didn't think we would win. It is such an honour just to be shortlisted." Malcolm Lumsden, of Eldon Square, which sponsored the awards, said: "The judging was so hard this year and congratulations to all the families who took part. They show that family life is alive and well in the North East." Chronicle editor Paul Robertson said: "As a newspaper which has been part of the North East family for more than 100 years, we continue to be touched by the way ordinary people do extraordinary things in response to the needs of their friends, families and neighbours. Without people like you this region wouldn't be what it is - a warm, friendly place to live and work where people look out for each other." TV presenter, and award judge Kathy Secker said: "These families have overcome the most difficult situations with great courage and dignity. They really are special and deserve to be recognised." Page 2: All six earn praise

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