An Enniskillen woman recently won an award for overcoming adversity at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards. 23-year-old Cora Bogue was nominated by her mother Caroline, who says she is "so proud" of all that her daughter has achieved, despite living with a disability.
The awards celebrate ordinary people who do extraordinary things to support their family, friends, and neighbours. Cora is a member of the dessert team at the Five-Star Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh and was nominated in recognition of all her hard work and drive to succeed.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the Fermanagh native said she was “shocked” when her name was called out at the recent awards ceremony. Though considered as an “inspiration” to all around her, Cora explained to Northern Sound that it is her own family who inspires her every day. Cora believes it is important for others to “never give up on their dreams” no matter what obstacles are in their way.
She told Northern Sound that she was “completely overwhelmed” to win the award. “It was amazing and I was overwhelmed with the whole thing, it was a great night,” explained Cora. “My family came and they got all dolled-up and I even I got all-dolled up, it was brilliant. My advice to anyone would be to just get out there and never give up because you might get something out of it.”
Meanwhile, Cora’s mum Caroline said as a family they can’t speak highly enough about Cora and all that she has achieved. Speaking to Northern Sound, Caroline said; "When I nominated Cora, I thought if she could be an inspiration to one other person to go out and fulfil their dreams and not give up even if you’re living with a disability then that is what we wanted to achieve”
“She’s just surpassed all expectations even when she was at school. Living with a disability, she just wanted to be like her sisters, have a job, live a normal life and be accepted for who she is and that’s exactly what she’s doing. I have to praise the Lough Erne for accepting her with her disability and for understanding her and who she is as a person.”
