B&M Care’s Health & Safety Manager Wins ‘Hero Award’
Published date: 24/01/2022 15:30
Friday 21st January saw B&M Care’s Health & Safety Manager Dee Horton win the ‘Carer Award’ category at the annual Heart Hertfordshire ‘Hero Awards’ at Sopwell House in St Albans.
Hosted by Heart Radio’s Drivetime Presenter John Darin, the category – sponsored by B&M Care and presented by the group’s Operations Manager Sue Jarvis – commended Dee [pictured: centre above] for consistently putting others first and, throughout the pandemic, providing both care homes and the group’s Head Office with all the necessary equipment to ensure that the health and wellbeing of its people remained paramount.
When presented with the award and asked how she was feeling, Dee answered: “I have to admit, I’m still in shock,” before continuing “the past year has been hell for anyone working in social care, so this is for them.”
Speaking after the event, Dee said: “Funnily enough, I’m still in shock! To be acknowledged as a finalist alongside such remarkable people is one thing, but to walk away with an award, well, it’s difficult to find the words.”
She continued: “The pandemic has affected each and every one of us in so many ways, but what Friday evening showcased was how people can still do exceptional things – even throughout a series of lockdowns. The spirit and heart that was on show, it was all very touching; a shared experience that was truly memorable.”
The two other finalists in the B&M Care-sponsored category were:
- Caleb Keir: a six-year-old who has shown “so much strength” caring for his brother, a kind and compassionate contender acknowledged for his empathy and remarkable tendencies at such a young age.
- Karen Panks: an “amazing and selfless woman” who was nominated for the exceptional care she delivers at B&M Care’s Montrose Care Home in Watford. In her private life, Karen cares for her four-year-old granddaughter on a full-time basis following the death of her daughter last year – and not once has she been heard to say how hard she finds everything.
The Carer Award was featured alongside ten other categories, including: Parent Award; Teacher Award; NHS Hero; and the evening’s most poignant recognition, the Big Heart Award. Nominated by Heart Radio listeners, each remarkable story was shortlisted and taken to a panel of judges - made up of the event’s sponsors – who then invited the three finalists in each category to attend Friday evening’s ceremony.