Annual Award Established in Memory of Long-Serving Carer

An award has been posthumously established in recognition of a woman who dedicated over three decades to care work. Kerry Giles-Brown, a resident of Littleport, Cambridgeshire, passed away in September at the age of 52. She was employed by Caring Together Charity, an organization that provides assistance to unpaid family carers throughout Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Norfolk. Following her diagnosis with a terminal illness this year, Ms. Giles-Brown collaborated with her colleagues to create a lasting legacy through the establishment of the annual Kerry Care Award. Miriam Martin, chief executive of Caring Together Charity, stated: “Kerry was quite an extraordinary woman.”She was loud, full of energy and fun, just lifting the room as soon as she walked in. She was one of the most amazing, driven and determined people I have ever met.” Belinda Sabine, whose work spans the Huntingdonshire district, received the inaugural award. Lisa Downs, head of care at Caring Together Charity, commented: “At a time when the incredible work of professional care staff often goes unnoticed and undervalued, these awards show just how amazing people working in care are.” Ms. Martin added: “When I first heard about Kerry’s diagnosis and prognosis, we spoke about what she would like her legacy to be as part of Caring Together.”We agreed that an annual Kerry Care Award would be perfect and something that her family could also be involved in.”Not for one moment did either of us think she wouldn’t be here to present the first award. She was so excited about it.”We are mourning the loss of a friend and colleague but there is real comfort in the inspiration she was to us all.” Peter Deadman, 84, who utilizes Caring Together Charity’s services while caring for his bed-ridden wife at their home in Ely, stated: “You meet very few people like Kerry in this world,” he said.”She was just so nice – one in a million. Nothing was too much trouble for her… she would help out even if it wasn’t part of her job.”It is reassuring to have her memory live on with this new award. It’s what she wanted.”