THE Dorset Echo has been delighted to run the Dorset Echo Care Awards sponsored by overall sponsor BMI Winterbourne plus additional sponsors Pengillys, Apex, Queen Charlotte Care Home and supporters SEA LIFE, designed to recognise all individuals and businesses involved in care. Care is not limited to the elderly or the young, life can present challenges to us all and it is those in the care community that help us to overcome these.

The awards have brought together nominations for care provided in the DT postcode sector, these individuals or businesses have nominated themselves or others.

Dorset Echo Promotions Manager Debbie Hellaby said: “We have had an outstanding number of entries with our readers taking the opportunity to highlight the work and selflessness of those in our area.’’

Weymouth Town Mayor, Cllr Gill Taylor, said: “It is a really lovely event. The care sector is so important, with so many people doing amazing work that often doesn’t get enough recognition.”

Weymouth College hosted the awards ceremony on Thursday, March 14 where the winners were announced.

The finalists of each category each received a day ticket to SEA LIFE and a certificate, the winners also received a trophy.

Care Awards Winners;

  • Best Volunteer / Unpaid Carer - Rose Stone
  • Best Home Carer - Tracey Abbott
  • Best Care Home - Danmor Lodge
  • Best Nurse - Hilary Maxwell
  • Best Social Care Worker - Kay Linehan-Cross
  • Unsung Hero Award - Debbie Catterall
  • Best Care Organisation - St Judes Care
  • Best Under 18 Care Provider - Zoe Allan
  • Best Family Member Carer - Vivien Andrews
  • Special Recognition Award - Jennifer Harding