A Waringstown woman who has devoted 55 years to caring for mothers and babies has been honoured for her remarkable service to local families.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Mrs Esther Halliday, presenting her with a Queen Elizabeth II Centenary Cameo Brooch 2026 in recognition of more than half a century working within the Health Trust – including over 40 years dedicated to maternity care.
Mrs Halliday began her career as a midwife and, even after formally retiring, chose to remain in the profession as a maternity healthcare assistant, supporting countless families through pregnancy, birth and those all-important early days at home.
Speaking about the presentation, held recently in Waringstown, Mrs Lockhart said Mrs Halliday’s impact stretched far beyond a single generation.
“Some people leave a mark on your life, but there are others, like Esther, who leave a mark on generations,” the DUP MP said.
“Over 55 years, she has supported families at one of the most important moments in their lives. The number of babies she has helped bring into the world, the reassurance she has given to new parents, and the care she has shown cannot be measured.”
Mrs Lockhart said she had experienced Mrs Halliday’s professionalism and compassion first-hand.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Esther both professionally and personally, and she is truly one of a kind,” she continued.
“She was one of the very first people to help me when my own child was born, guiding me through those early moments with calmness and kindness when everything felt new and overwhelming.
“It was an honour to present Esther with this brooch as a small token of appreciation for a lifetime of care, compassion and dedication. She is a remarkable woman, and I thank her for everything she has done, and continues to do, for so many families.”
Mrs Halliday’s 55-year career has seen her support generations of parents from Waringstown, the wider Upper Bann area and beyond, with many local families now seeing their own children and grandchildren cared for by the same familiar face.
