A Corwen women who juggles being her mum and dad’s full-time carer with her work as a care practitioner is celebrating academic success.
Samantha Bowler, 22, who works at the Bodlondeb care home, in Wrexham, found time to pass her Level 3 diploma in Health and Social Care.
At home she cares for her dad, Bob, who suffered a fall at work more than a year ago and is awaiting a second operation on a severe leg injury which has left him barely able to walk, and her profoundly deaf mum, Eirlys.
Samantha somehow managed to fit in her studies and pass her apprenticeship. The training was provided by Wrexham-based Smartcare Teaching Care Centre, part of the Pendine Park care organisation in partnership with the ACT training organisation.
Her proud parents, who attended the celebration event at Glyndwr University’s Catrin Finch Centre to see their daughter pick up her diploma from the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Dave Bithell MBE, have praised Samantha’s dedication.
Bob Bowler said: “Samantha has worked so hard and deserves a great deal of credit. I don’t think people realise the amount of work involved and she is always there to help her mum and me when we need her.
“I suffered a fall and badly damaged my ankle and leg. I did have an operation but it hasn’t been a success and I’m awaiting a second operation. As I can’t drive at the moment Samantha has to help by taking her mum and me shopping.
“She is always there when we need her and never lets us down. With Eirlys being profoundly deaf Samantha helps by taking her out for appointments and helps her understand what people are trying to say to her.
“She really is a fantastic daughter and we could not be more proud. I’m not sure how she fits it all in to be perfectly honest.”
According to Smartcare Teaching Care Centre trainer and assessor Julie Longmuir, Samantha’s dedication and hard work is an inspiration to others.
She said: “Samantha has found it tough but it’s not an easy diploma and of course she also works as a care practitioner alongside being a full-time carer to her mum and dad.
“She never moans and works exceptionally hard to achieve her goals. She really is dedicated and deserves full credit for all her efforts. She passed her Level 2 diploma last year so to now complete her level 3 diploma this year is excellent.
“And she is now going on to Chester University to study on a three year mental health nursing course. She really is a determined young woman who wants to develop her career as a care practitioner and nurse.”
Samantha said: “It has been tough but Julie, as my Smartcare trainer and assessor, has always been there for me and helped me when I needed it.
“The level 2 course was excellent but the Level 3 diploma is far more in depth and really pushed me to the limit.
“I thoroughly enjoy my work at Pendine Park’s Bodlondeb, the dementia and mental health care centre, and that has inspired me to carry on an enrol at Chester University on a three year course from march 2014.
“It will be difficult as I have to care for mum and dad too. But, hopefully, I will manage and find a way to juggle my time so my studies are not unduly affected.”
She added: “I am just happy my career is progressing. The Level 3 diploma has given me more so much more knowledge and confidence in my day to day caring role. I am determined to put into practice all the good things I have learnt through Smartcare Teaching Care Centre.”
