Carer of the Year nominee – Sharon Cooke

Carer of the Year nominee – Sharon Cooke

Sharon Cooke refers to herself as ‘a good scrubber’ but she is so much more to residents at the care home where she works as a domestic assistant.

From chatting to residents while she cleans their rooms or arranges their flowers to learning residents’ individual routines so that they build up trust in her, the 53-year-old has become known as a warm and relatable presence during her 17 years at Woodview Nursing Home in Bradwell.

Sharon has been nominated as a Carer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by her colleague and daughter, Danielle Valentino, who works at a sister care home.

Danielle said: “She is the most beautiful person inside and out and will be floored by this nomination alone. She always has a warm presence to her and is so relatable which makes it easy for anyone to approach her.

“She has excellent cleaning skills – she calls herself a good scrubber – but she is so much more than that to others. She is someone they can talk to when cleaning their rooms and arranging their flowers or ensuring their amenities are in reach.

“She makes sure she gets to know their individual routines. This really does comfort those she cares for and builds professional trust. She also spends time talking to the residents and their relatives where her warm personality is what makes you feel you are home from home.

“She is always smiling and laughing, seeing the bright side of any situation which is a great trait to have.

“Sharon is also my mum so I’m biased but she’s more than a mum she is an incredible role model. I love working in the sister home to my mum and witnessing her kindness and compassionate manner. She inspires myself and others to continue to be just like her.”

Sharon, from Ball Green, said she was shocked to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award.

She said: “It’s much appreciated. I just love what I do. I love being around the people. I’ve met some really lovely people over the years.”