CARERS who have dedicated their lives to helping others across the county were recognised for their ‘tireless’ work at an awards ceremony.

The Orders of St John’s Care Trust, which runs 29 homes in Oxfordshire, paid tribute to its staff against the grand backdrop of Oxford’s Randolph Hotel last week.

The annual employee awards saw winners recognised across 12 categories including ‘young carer of the year’, ‘unsung hero’ and ‘newcomer of the year’.

Kathy Farley, of the Larkrise Care Centre in Banbury, was named overall carer of the year after giving 30 years service to the sector including six years at Larkrise.

She said: “I am very proud and a bit shocked.

“Whenever I am working I try to do my best for the patients.

“I still enjoy it after all this time and it’s very rewarding – I have never wanted to do anything else.

“To be recognised in this way is a great honour and it’s a tribute to all the staff who work here.”

Other winners included Maria Cruz of Erdington House, Yarnton, who won newcomer of the year in a special category for carers who work in homes where residents need extra support.

She was said to have brought an ‘amazing amount’ of energy and a ‘massive smile’ to her work.

The young carer of the year was Amber Henshaw who works in Madley Park House, Witney, with colleague Lucy Haggie, who has Down's Syndrome, winning volunteer of the year.

Richard Blaine of Spencer Court, Woodstock, was named an ‘unsung hero’.

He was described as ‘not your typical handyman’ and always prepared to take on any job including being a paperboy, cook, cleaner, waiter, entertainer, companion, gardener and driver.

Leader of the year for extra care housing was Kayleigh Cross of the Paddocks home in Chipping Norton.

She said: “It means all the hard work that we do every day is worthwhile.

"It is great to be recognised not just by residents but by colleagues and my employers as well.

"I still haven't come down from cloud nine.

“I have always had an open door policy and do whatever I can do to support my staff to make sure residents are happy and safe.

“It is a challenging job at times but so rewarding and it’s so lovely to get this recognition – it means an awful lot.”

Chief executive of the trust Dan Hayes paid tribute to all the winners for their ‘outstanding contribution’ to the homes they work in.

He said: “I am constantly blown away by the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, who are committed to enhancing the lives of those who call our residences home.

“Celebrating employees who have gone above and beyond is one of the highlights of the year for me, and once again our colleagues in Oxfordshire have shone.”