A CARER working at a Warrington care home says she is ‘in shock’ after advancing to the national round of a prestigious competition.

Mariza Dee, who works at Westvale House Care Home in Old Hall, has advanced to the national round of judging.

This comes after she won Carer of the Year for the North West in the Barchester Care Awards 2024.

Mariza said: “I am in utter shock. I never expected this. I love my job, the home and everyone here.”

General manager Jackie Bray praised Mariza, commenting: “We are so proud of her. Mariza has been a senior carer at Westvale for 21 years – what an achievement.

“She is the most passionate person, is dedicated to her work, is an inspiring leader, makes such a difference to our home and all our residents are truly fond of her.”

Barchester Care Awards honour staff who go above and beyond for the 13,000 residents living in Barchester's 258 care homes and private hospitals across the United Kingdom.

Categories include carer of the year, registered nurse of the year, dementia care champion and activities coordinator of the year.

Throughout the UK, more than 5,000 nominations were submitted by care homes and hospitals. Mariza is delighted to have won the North West division over hundreds of other nominees.

As the winner of the north west division, Mariza is through to the national finals in which the overall winner will be announced.

She will join winners from across the UK at a special awards ceremony in October to celebrate their achievements and find out if she has won the national award.