Inspirational Gail overjoyed to win our Gloucestershire Care Hero award

Gail Hadland, who works for Careful Care in Cirencester, received the most votes in our inaugural competition, narrowly beating Stephanie Burns and Angela Kavanagh as well as dozens of other nominees.

As well as the trophy, Gail will receive a 43” Mitchell & Brown TV from Gardiner Haskins and a hamper worth £50 from Pound Farm Shop.

Mother-of-three Gail was nominated for the award by her eldest daughter, Clare.

Reacting to being announced the winner, Gail, who turns 60 next week, said: “I am overwhelmed by all the kindness. There are far far more carers out there who deserve it.

“I didn’t think for one minute I would win. Thank you to everyone who supported me by voting. I’ve never won anything like this before.

“It seems wrong to get a gift for something I get paid to do. I love doing it."

Gail has been in her current role for two years, having previously worked in care homes.

Her rounds take to the likes of Down Ampney, Fairford and Kemble, but Careful Care also looks after people in Stroud.

Speaking about her job, Gail said: “We go round the community and look after people, getting them out of bed, making sure they are washed and fed.

“I try to keep their spirits up. We are looking after people who are so vulnerable.

“It’s a good company to work for. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. The bosses are so brilliant. We are so lucky.

“It’s nice to think you are helping them to stay in their own home. Sometimes we are they only people they see. You can build up a good relationship with them.”

Gail’s dedication to her job is illustrated by the fact she worked for four days after suffering a mini stroke.

“I didn’t want to let anyone down. I didn’t tell a sole,” she said.

“I have been lucky. My arms and legs are not the same but when I see stroke victims I know I have got away with so much.”

Gail will also be working on Christmas Day but hopes to be able to pop home on one of her breaks to watch her children open their presents.

“They are absolutely lovely kids. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for you. I absolutely love my family," she said.

In her nomination for her mum, Clare said: “You can see the love in her eyes, the same love we feel as a family. That’s what you would want from a carer, isn’t it?

“She’s such a hardworking person and I believe she deserves a moment to see how proud we all are of her."

Sam Williams, club manager of Gail’s gym Snap Fitness Cirencester, added: “We couldn’t think of anyone better for such a prestigious title. Gail will do anything for anyone and never asks for anything in return.

“We have a few senior members over 85 in our club and both Gail and Clare make it their duty to offer any assistance and go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable and supported.”

Gloucestershire Care Hero 2020 has been supported by Gloucestershire County Council and local MPs.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of the council, said: “Carers of all sorts have always been heroes – Covid has just made that clearer still.

“Carers have always protected and supported the most vulnerable people in our community –I have really been inspired by the way they have continued to do so during this most challenging time.

“Gloucestershire Care Heroes is a fantastic opportunity to highlight just some of the fantastic carers in our community and to tell their stories.”

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie added: “I am so pleased to support the Stroud News & Journal’s Care Heroes competition.

“Our carers have often been unsung heroes throughout the pandemic. They have worked tirelessly, supporting not only their residents, but also residents’ families - often through dark difficult times.

“Our local care sector deserves significant praise and support and this competition is a way for Stroud’s community to show it’s gratitude and appreciation for all it has done and continues to do.”

Karley Coles, marketing assistant at Gardiner Haskins, said: “Gardiner Haskins are really proud to have sponsored the Gloucestershire Care Hero award.

“Gail is a lovely lady and we are so glad her kindness has been appreciated by both her family and the people she cares for. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”