A local care home worker is celebrating after being selected as a national finalist in the Great British Care Awards.
Leona Millar, 29, who works at Pennine Lodge Care Home in Carlisle, was crowned the winner in the Activity Organiser category at the North West Great British Care Awards.
She will now go through to the national final at Birmingham’s ICC on 20 March.
Judges praised Leona for her passion and commitment to her job, citing one occasion when she went above and beyond to grant a resident’s last wish to have Christmas with her family.
“Leona bought Christmas to the resident and the family so that they could all share one last Christmas together. Truly magical,” they said.
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Manchester, Leona, who has worked at the home for six years, said: “I am so touched to receive this award. I absolutely love my job at Pennine Lodge and it feels wonderful to know I’m having such a positive impact on residents’ lives.”
As the home’s Activity Organiser, Leona is responsible for organising a range of activities for residents, including a “knit and knatter group”, intergenerational sessions with local primaries and keep fit classes.
Suzanne Ferguson, the Home Manager at Pennine Lodge, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Leona’s hard work, drive and commitment have been recognised. She is loved by everyone and we couldn’t be happier for her.
“In my 19 years managing a care home, Leona is by far the most dynamic and engaging activity organiser I have ever met.”
The Great British Care Awards celebrates excellence in the care sector, paying tribute to those who deliver outstanding care.
Pennine Lodge provides care for up to 70 residents, some of who live with dementia.
