An unprecedented number of people were awarded certificates and medals during an annual carer of the year awards.

More than 150 carers from Caremark Redcar and Cleveland received recognition for their substantial efforts in 2023, thanks to nominations from the individuals they assist at home.

Due to the high volume of staff nominated, the awards were held over three days at locations across Redcar, Guisborough, and Loftus.

Every nominee's citations were read out and subsequently used to identify the main winners in Caremark's three principal areas - East Cleveland, Guisborough/Middlesbrough, and Redcar. Numerous other special awards were also made.

Michelle Rispin, who only began her career as a carer in March 2023, clinched the East Cleveland Carer of the Year Award, earning seven nominations from the individuals she supports.

One individual she cares for said: "I cannot fault Michelle at all. There is nothing she won’t do for me.

"She always knows when I am not right and is willing to go that extra mile day in and day out."

Michelle said: "I spent my whole career in education before deciding to be a carer and now I wouldn’t change it for the world.

"I was amazed when my name was read out and there was more than one tear."

Kevin Hewitt, a decade-long Caremark employee, repeated his win for the Guisborough/Middlesbrough Carer of the Year Award, collecting five nominations. He also won the award last year.

The Northern Echo: Michelle Rispin and Kevin Hewitt were among the Caremark Redcar and Cleveland award winnersMichelle Rispin and Kevin Hewitt were among the Caremark Redcar and Cleveland award winners (Image: Caremark Redcar and Cleveland award winners)

One of the people who nominated him said: "Kevin has been an immensely loyal carer.

"Thoughtful and considerate, always willing to go beyond the call of duty.

"He is always cheerful and been a good companion in the recent loss of my wife."

Kevin said: "Winning it once was amazing but for a second time is incredible.

"It’s so nice to be appreciated in this way."

The Redcar Carer of the Year Award was presented to Michelle Burr, who received five nominations.

The Northern Echo: Caremark Redcar and Cleveland Carer of the Year Michelle Burr, left, is presented with her award

One of the people who nominated her said: "Michelle is brilliant. She is very caring, helpful and funny.

"She is always happy and like a little ray of sunshine and are always happy to see her."

Michelle said: "When my nominations were read out, it made me feel proud to be able to deliver quality care our customers deserve.

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"I wouldn’t be without my job. I absolutely love it."

The three award winners, Michelle, Kevin, and Michelle, were all presented with a trophy, certificate, and gift for their achievements.

Danielle Laverick, Care Manager at Caremark Redcar and Cleveland, said: "Our carer awards are always one of the highlights of the year and it was great to be able to reward so many of our staff for their hard work and dedication throughout 2023."