A South Cumbrian carer has won a prestigious national award.
Ashleigh Harvey, senior carer at Lakeland Care, was crowned Domiciliary Carer of the Year at the National Care Awards 2025.
The ceremony took place last night, Friday November 7, in London and was hosted by comedian and broadcaster Sue Perkins.
Ashleigh was honoured for her outstanding leadership, empathy and professionalism in delivering home care services across Barrow and South Cumbria.
She rose through the ranks from carer to senior, combining hands-on support with advanced training in dementia, safeguarding, end-of-life and autism care.
Judges praised her person-centred approach and her commitment to mentoring new carers to raise standards across the service.
Ashleigh said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the award for Domiciliary Carer of the Year.
“To all my colleagues at Lakeland Care, I accept it on behalf of you all — what an amazing team we are, and how wonderful it is to celebrate great care.”
Also representing Lakeland Care was Joy Turnbull, a finalist for the Sara Berrio Care Champion Award — a category recognising individuals who embody the late Sara Berrio’s legacy of compassion, dignity and inclusion in social care.
Joy was celebrated on the national stage for her warmth, reliability and tireless advocacy for clients and families.
Outside work, she coaches the Barrow Celtic Lionesses U16s and volunteers with Walney JFC.
Joy added: “It was an unforgettable night — to be a finalist among so many inspiring people was an honour.
“We’re proud to have represented Barrow and to show the country what local carers are capable of.”
Zoe Stewart, director of operations at Lakeland Care, added: “It was an incredible evening celebrating all things care and recognising both Ashleigh and Joy for their outstanding contribution.
“Huge congratulations to Ashleigh on winning National Domiciliary Carer of the Year — a well-deserved success against nine other national finalists.
“We’re equally proud of Joy for reaching the finals in the Sara Berrio Care Champion Award category, reflecting her exceptional care and her voluntary work within our much-loved local community.
“The night was a wonderful reminder of what the whole Lakeland Care team does best every single day — delivering care with compassion, professionalism, and pride.”
