Dying Matters, a charity working across Rutland and Leicestershire, have opened nominations for their annual awards celebrating local carers.

The 2023 Rutland Snowdrop Carers' Awards are now open and welcoming nominations.

Dying Matters in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is dedicated to improving end of life experiences for people living in either county, their families and loved ones.

Working in a caring profession can be very demanding and the excellent work done by many care workers is often taken for granted. The Rutland Snowdrop Carers' Award celebrates the human side of caring, caring with empathy and kindness, which is so important, especially during someone's end of life.

This can make a positive difference to the person who is dying, but it can also matters deeply to their family.

The Rutland Snowdrop Carer's Award was inspired by Dr Hilary Fox, previously the Clinical Director for Rutland Health Primary Care and a GP Partner in Uppingham. Hilary had been touched by the thoughtful and compassionate care her mother received at Wysteria House Care Home during her end of life.

Dr Hilary Fox with other members of the group and trustees. Image credit: Dying Matters.

Following this experience, she wanted to ensure that people who work in care and who go beyond the high standards their job requires, can be appreciated for the positive difference they make to people's lives. Hillary has recently joined Dying Matters in Rutland as a Trustee and she is now working with a dedicated team to run the awards program.

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A spokesperson for Dying Matters said: "Help us celebrate inspirational health and care workers.

"We are looking for health and care workers and teams of care professionals who have gone above and beyond, to provide compassionate end of life care to individuals and their families."

The team are asking Rutland residents: "Do you know an exceptional health or care worker or care team who have gone above and beyond to help improve the end of life experience of someone you know?"

If so, nominate them on the Dying Matters website, where you can also find out more about the Rutland and Leicestershire-based charity.

They are looking for individuals who have gone above and beyond, to provide compassionate end of life care to individuals and their families.

All nominees will be invited to the annual award celebration, hosted by HM Lord- Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness, who is also the Patron of Dying Matters in Rutland.

Dr Sarah Furness is currently also fundraising to erect a statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Oakham. Find out more here.

Alternatively, find out more about the sculptor behind this project here.

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