From the archive, first published Sunday 20th Jan 2008.

A CELEBRATORY reception was held at the Daily Echo offices to congratulate the winners of the newspaper's Carer of the Year Award, supported by Southampton Lions.

Inspirational Tracy Goodwin and Sean Gonzalez-Lambert were guests of honour as they came to receive their prizes.

The Lions' welfare chairman, Peter Foxwell, said that it was a difficult task choosing the winners, as every nomination was worthy of the prize.

He praised both Tracy and Sean for their tireless dedication in helping to make a real difference to the lives of the people they care for.

Mother-of-three Tracy, 41, of Porlock Road, Millbrook, Southampton, has cared for her partner Wayne Howard for the past seven years after he suffered severe brain damage and lost a leg in a motorbike accident.

She won the title and the prizes of a £200 cheque, four tickets to see Aspects of Love at The Mayflower theatre, and £500 to the charity of her choice - the Wayne Howard Trust.

Taunton's College student Sean, 17, also received £200 prize money for helping to care for his younger twin brothers Eric and Joe, aged six, who both have Down's Syndrome, at their home in Foundry Lane, Freemantle, Southampton.