A dedicated 94-year-old care home volunteer has scooped the National Volunteer Award at The Great British Care Awards.
Tony Bradley began volunteering at Leicester care home Beaumont Hall after his wife of 74 years, Renelle, moved in three years ago. He wanted to be by her side as much as he could and even joined the team during moving and handling training so he could assist with the care of his wife correctly. Tony quickly became a valued member of the team, often helping out around the home at regular coffee mornings and during activities.
The Great British Care Awards is an annual event to pay tribute to those individuals in the care sector who have demonstrated excellence within the care industry.
Tony was thrilled to be announced as a regional finalist in the ‘Unpaid Carer’ award and attended the regional gala dinner last year where he succeeded, securing his place in the national finals going up against other care volunteers from across the country. The national awards ceremony should have been another glittering gala dinner for all the finalists in March, but was held virtually last week. Tony and his daughter, Fiona, watched together to see him triumph against the competition.
Unfortunately, Renelle became unwell earlier this year and Tony made the decision to move to Beaumont Hall so he could be close to his wife. Renelle sadly passed away in August and Tony has since found comfort in continuing his volunteer work and being surrounded by his Beaumont Hall family.
Tony, a former lecturer at Charles Keene College, Leicester, has served his community for almost 50 years, supporting his neighbours when in need and volunteering with local organisations including the LOROS Hospice and The Air Ambulance Service.
Tony said: “I am honoured to receive the unpaid volunteer award. I spent a lot of time at Beaumont Hall visiting my wife and the care team became like a second family for me. I am very grateful for all of the wonderful care they gave my wife, and for supporting me by allowing me to continue to be a part of the team I had come to cherish.”
Ideal Carehomes Regional Director Kay Paul said: “Tony is a true gent, and we feel extremely lucky to have such a wonderful volunteer helping us out. I am immensely pleased Tony took home the national title in the volunteer category, it was incredibly well deserved, not only for his commitment to our home, but in respect of all the other support he’s provided our local community with over the years. Congratulations!”
