THE FOUNDER of a care services provider, which was set up in Weymouth 35 years ago, has been honoured with a lifetime achievement prize at the Leaders in Care Awards.
Derek Luckhurst, who is also the chairman of Agincare, scooped his accolade at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham where he was surprised to find out he’d won it.
He said: “I was really very surprised and honoured to receive a lifetime achievement award.
"I am grateful to the Leaders in Care Awards for recognising me in this way.
“I wouldn’t have achieved this if it wasn’t for our Chief Executive Raina Summerson.”
The award comes as Agincare celebrates the 35th anniversary of the opening of its first home in Weymouth - Agincourt - in 1986.
Mr Luckhurst added: “The implication that 35 years represents the totality of my working lifetime underestimates the amount of enthusiasm and energy I still have to grow Agincare further; and continue to make a positive difference to the sector and those we care for.
“We do an amazing job in this industry. Every single one of us should be proud of ourselves.”
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Agincare has since grown to be one of the largest independent care providers in the country, employing around 3,500 staff.
Mr Luckhurst was accompanied to the ceremony by Agincare’s chief executive Raina Summerson and his son Adam, amongst other colleagues.
The event was held on the first night of The Care Show, the UK’S largest care focused event and leading sector figures were in attendance as Mr Luckhurst accepted his award, including host Sarah Clarke.
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Ms Clarke said: “It’s a great honour to be able to present our first Lifetime Achievement Award to Derek Luckhurst.
“Derek has dedicated 35 years of his life to the care sector and has grown Agincare to become one of the largest independent care providers in the UK.
“He is therefore a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
Many people on the night were offering their praise to Mr Luckhurst, including his son.
Adam Luckhurst said: “The story of Agincare was presented to the room. I live and breathe Agincare, but it’s only when you stop and listen do you fully appreciate the scale of what this man has achieved.
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“It’s beyond extraordinary. A little boy from Littlemoor in Weymouth has done what so many people can only dream of.”
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