Dedicated Rickmansworth husband reaches finals on national care awards

Company news

Oct 29, 2014

A husband who helped care for his wife and who brings joy to residents at a Rickmansworth care home has won through to the finals of a prestigious national care award.

John Hawkins was amazed when the team at Care UK’s Chalfont Court care home contacted him to say an independent panel of judges had selected him as a finalist in the Best Relative Contribution category of the National Dementia Care Awards.

Jane Jones, home manager at Chalfont Court, said: “John was dedicated to his wife Tess, who sadly passed away before we learnt John had reached the finals.

“John spent so much time with Tess but he still found time to volunteer as a driver at the home, taking residents on trips to Ruislip Lido, Whipsnade Zoo, Butterfly World and many other loved places.

“People living with dementia benefit from experiencing the changes of season outside and seeing familiar sights. Teamed with John’s lovely and caring disposition, the residents really benefit from the trips he helps the team to run.”

John said: “Tess was a real character, strong and caring. Everyone would come to her with their problems and she would always listen. She was very involved with the Guiding movement and she loved kayaking – she was on the go all the time, a real force of nature.

“Dementia is a cruel condition and I’m glad Tess and I had the team at Chalfont Court where she spent the last seven years as well as the support of our family. I was delighted to be nominated for the award and very surprised when I reached the finals.”

The winner will be announced at the National Dementia Care Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 11 November at Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel.

Jane said: “If anyone deserves to win this award it is John. His involvement in the home is not restricted to days out. The home’s administrator describes him as a superb man who helps out everywhere.

“If something is not working in her office he will come in and try to fix it. The home organises ‘meals around the world’ evenings, mainly for the relatives to get together. John will always be there - there is no need to ask. He is one of the best, with a great sense of humour and empathy.”