Grandmother Joyce Royle has struck gold – at the age of 75.
An inspiration to whose she has mentored, she continues to lead by example when others have put their feet up.
Joyce has won a gold Outstanding Service award at the annual Wales Care Awards, announced in a glittering ceremony in Cardiff City Hall.
She’s spent more 27 years working at the same care home, the Glen Devon at Rhyl, where she is deputy care manager.
Younger staff marvel at her energy and enthusiasm and Vivienne Davies-Quarrell, owner and care services director at Glen Devon, and director of Kinmel Health Care, had no hesitation in nominating her, believing that Joyce is an example of what the care sector should aspire to.
She described her as “the jewel in the crown at Glen Devon” who will go the extra mile for residents, colleagues, families and professionals who visit the home, where there are 27 residents. She radiated humour, laughter, energy and love. On her 70th birthday even the fire brigade turned up with flowers, such is the esteem in which she is held locally.
Joyce, of Ruthin, has two grandchildren and is active outside work, too, still enjoying camping with friends.
In the past she has been a nurse and worked as a midwife in Manchester.
The award for outstanding service is sponsored by Hallmark. Awards are in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation established in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice to speak on one of the most important of contemporary issues – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM, who presented the awards, paid tribute to the work of Care Forum Wales in promoting dignity in care.
She said: ” It’s a time to recognise the excellent work that is taking place across Wales and an opportunity to shine a light on this practice so that others can see and follow.
“Tonight is an opportunity to recognise all those who have been nominated, to recognise all of your commitment and efforts and to recognise your impact on others.
“The celebration of the achievements of all of you who make a day to day impact on the lives of older people and how in everything you do you ensure that their dignity is at the heart of everything that you do.”
Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said there was a record number of nominations and the standard was extremely high.
He added: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.
“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.
“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.
“We take our hats off to them”.
