Award as Jackie goes from curlers to caring

A former hairdresser who was inspired to become a care worker after visiting her grandmother at a care home has won a national award.

Jackie Preen, who works at Ravenhurst Care Home in Stourport, scooped the Care Newcomer gong at a ceremony in London on Saturday, after finishing second in the regional finals of the Great British Care Awards.

The 47-year-old mother of three said she was "delighted" to win.

Before starting work at Ravenhurst Care Home 18 months ago, she visited her late grandmother Elsie White there – and decided to pursue the career she had always wanted.

She has worked as a mobile hairdresser in Wyre Forest for 30 years. She said: "I had wanted to go into care for a long, long time but wasn't able to because of commitments with my children.

"I loved the home and decided I wanted to be part of it. I got the job and am part of a wonderful team here and love every minute of it.

"I love the residents; they give me so much more than I think I ever give them, and they just make everything worthwhile. They are like my second family. I just get so much satisfaction from my work – being able to make somebody smile and make their day is so rewarding for me."

Mrs Preen, of Wilden, Stourport, was nominated for the regional award by the home's manager Anastasia Meredith.

She said: "To give an example of Jackie's dedication to her role, she will often come to work on her days off to help to take our residents on trips. Her dedication to her role is truly inspirational and we are all so proud to have her as part of our team."

Jackie said she was shocked to win, adding: "I don't feel I do any more than anyone else; I am just happy at work, and I think it shows."