A SENIOR carer described as ‘kind-hearted’ and ‘amazing’ has won a community award in York.

Helen Clark won the Carer of the Year, sponsored by Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, at the York Community Pride Awards, at an annual ceremony held at York Racecourse on September 5.

She was cited in the nominations for the work she does ‘in her own time’, making special Christmas tree baubles herself last year in the memory of residents who had sadly passed away at the care home where she works.

Helen had the initiative to carry this project out across all nursing and residential floors at the home, according to the citation.

The senior carer is looked up to by all the staff at the care home who are said to have benefitted for advice, with one saying Helen had ‘taught me everything I know’.

Receiving her award, Helen said:  “I feel very emotional, I didn’t expect to win.

“So to be stood up there, I’m blown away.

“I don’t think carers get recognised enough.

“I’ve worked in the sector for ten years now and for someone to see me differently and nominate me is mind-blowing.

“We just care for each individual and treat them as an individual.

“And I’m passionate about that.

“Even on the tough days – I’m surrounded by an amazing team, without them, it would be much harder.”