We were delighted at Social Care Alba to be chosen as one of the
sponsors for the recent Lothian Local Heroes Awards.
Held in Edinburgh's George Street Assembly Rooms and sponsored by the
Scotsman Publications, the Awards were designed to recognise the amazing - and
often untold - caring contributions made by 'ordinary' individuals in our
community. More than 300 guests turned up on the night to hear the winners and
nominees for the 13 different awards announced by host Portobello actor Scott
Hoatson. Categories for the awards included Young Carer, Health Champion,
School of the Year and Child of Achievement.
The individual award sponsored by ourselves at Social Care Alba was that
of Carer of the Year. It was won by Sharon Duncan, 44, of Fairmilehead. For the
past 25 years Sharon has selflessly cared for Stefan, who grew up to be a
youngster with a life threatening condition. Stefan was a baby when Sharon
first took him and when he became seriously ill she grew to become his nurse as
well as his carer. Over the years this has involved administering medication
and learning to make lifesaving interventions.
And Sharon's caring contribution doesn't end there. For along with her
husband Stewart she is also a foster carer and has opened her home to numerous
other youngsters over the years.
Sharon was delighted to receive the Carer of the Year Award, announcing
that it meant the world to her, but that she didn't see caring as a particular
trial. She added: "I absolutely love what I do."
Stephen Wilson, Director Social Care Alba said: “Although there were a
number of individuals who deserved this award we felt that Heather really stood
out. Her selfless nurturing of not just Stefan but all the other youngsters she
has looked after over the years, as well as the fact she obviously revels in
her role as a carer, made her an outright and obvious winner.
“Sharon has shown that caring isn’t always a one-way street. The carer
receives a great deal of pleasure too and, of course, it can be incredibly
rewarding.”
Other runners up for this award included Caroline Martin, Nicola Hogg
and Pappender Singh.
Meanwhile, we're pleased to say 13 of our own carers enjoyed a
well-deserved night out at the awards. As well as the ceremonies and dinner,
guests were also give performances by the choir's Edinburgh's Got Soul and
Edinburgh's Schools Rock Ensemble.
For more information about the Lothian Local Hero Awards, as well as
pictures on the night, see here.
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