Matthew George is Ely Heroe’s Caring Companion and was given his award at a personalised presentation
Matthew George was winner of the Ely Heroes Caring Companion Award - but was unable to attend the presentation ceremony. - Credit: Archant
The commitment of an Ely husband who gave up work to care for his sick wife was recognised in the first ever Ely Hero Awards.
Matthew George was unable to attend last Monday’s awards ceremony at The Maltings where he was named winner of the Caring Companion category.
However, awards organiser Naomi Sherwood, of Metro Rod (Cambridge) ensured Matthew received his award by visiting him at his home where she handed over his certificate and trophy.
Matthew was nominated by his wife Michelle, who said in her nomination: “My husband gave up work to help care for me. He helps with washing, dressing, (including tights), shaving my legs, laundry and ironing. “He never grumbles, he always puts me first no matter how he feels. He is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks of the year.”
The judge said of Matthew: “It was veryhard to judge as all the finalists are worthy winners. We hear of government cuts in social care yet tthe dedication of these carers should be recognised as they provide such as important role.
“it is great to be able to acknowledge what an important, fantastic job they do in whatever capacity, whether it has been to support and care for vulnerable young people or caring for family members and giving up their own interests to do this.
Matthew was one of four entries shortlisted for the award. The other nominees were: Sule Salim, Wendy Halls and Shellie Jackson, who all worked at a young people’s project in Ely.
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The person nominating them said: “They truly care about the futures of the young people they support and work very hard to improve things for them. They do us all proud.”
Naomi said: “Organising the awards has been a fantastic, and truly positive experience. It has been overwhelming to read all the stories associated with those nominated.
“We are so please with how well the event has gone this year and the support we have had from the community, that we have already decided we will be running the awards again next year, when we hope they will be even bigger.”
The awards were launched in April at a special function at Poet’s House Hotel and were run in conjunction with the Ely Standard.
