November 3, 2016 1.35 pm This story is over 88 months old

Lincoln woman shortlisted for carer award after being inspired by grandma

A Lincoln woman has been nominated for the East Midlands heat of the Great British Care Awards after her grandmother’s devastating cancer diagnosis inspired her to become a carer. Chelsea Hegarty’s loving bond with her grandmother caused her to switch to a career in care, and just nine months after she has won a place in…
Chelsea with her grandmother Liz Hegarty

A Lincoln woman has been nominated for the East Midlands heat of the Great British Care Awards after her grandmother’s devastating cancer diagnosis inspired her to become a carer.

Chelsea Hegarty’s loving bond with her grandmother caused her to switch to a career in care, and just nine months after she has won a place in the finals of a contest to find the cream of carers.

Chelsea, 23, has been shortlisted in the best newcomer category for the East Midlands heat of the Great British Care Awards.

Chelsea has been working as a career for nine months

Chelsea has been working as a carer for nine months

The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector and pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

She was nominated by the manager of Ridgeway Care Centre, Gemma Bell, who described Chelsea as “a delight” and said she has taken to her new role “like a duck to water.”

She said: “Although she is still very young, Chelsea has a wonderful way of putting people at ease and shows a level of compassion which many carers take years to achieve.”

Gemma Bell (left) and Chelsea

Gemma Bell (left) and Chelsea Hegarty

When Chelsea’s grandmother Liz Hegarty, 80, became ill with cancer last year she spent much of her spare time helping care for her, this led her to a career in care.

Chelsea said: “It was a very emotional time because we had such a close connection but it was also very rewarding because my nan really appreciated what I was doing and I was glad to be there for her.

“It made me realise how satisfying it is to be able to look after people.”

The East Midlands regional winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Belfry Hotel, Nottingham, on November 19