Carer of the Year - Finalists
- Scott Whitney
- Jun 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Simone Bell
On finding out she was a finalist Simone told us.......
"Being named a finalist for Carer of the Year is an incredible honour and a reminder that speaking up, standing alongside others, and creating space for underrepresented voices truly matters." We asked Simone to tell us a little more about what she does...........
"Alongside my husband, who lives with MS, I speak openly online about the realities of chronic illness; not just how it affects the person diagnosed, but how it impacts relationships and the whole family. I also use my voice and lived experience to shine a light on unpaid carers, especially in the workplace where they’re so often overlooked. Through speaking engagements, training, consultancy, and honest conversations, I help organisations better understand and support the people quietly juggling caring, employment, and everything in between."
Hetty Brant
On finding our she was a finalist Hetty told us a little bit more about what she does .........
"I'm single mum of 4 have 3 sons with autism. I'm full time carer to my son drew aged 15 who has severe autism and I'm full time carer to my 27 year old son scott who has severe profound autism I care alone and have no family support the kids father left in pregnancy of drew. I've barely any Friends as I've no social life being a care giver full time. I'm excited and pleased to be recognised as a carer after 27 years it is tough going each day is hard and it means the world to be recognised along with other carers"
Siobhan McAnespie
On finding out she was a finalist Siobhan told us this.........
" I am overwhelmed at becoming a finalist as a my caring is a natural instinct.. but for Niamh to appreciate me in this way just blows me away! " Siobhan was nominated by her daughter Niamh, who said this.........
"I am nominating my mum Siobhan McAnespie as unpaid carer of the year. She is one of the most selfless people in the world, she has devoted her life to caring for me. Mum has and been my continued supporter in everything I do, I have faced many challenges because of my cerebral palsy. I don’t know where I would be without her."
Katrina Oldham
When Katrina was nominated, we was told this ............
"Katrina, also known as Kat, began volunteering with Cerebral Palsy Midlands (CPM) in June 2023. She disclosed that she has been dealing with mental health issues, but she was inspired by the great work our charity does, which she had been following on our Facebook page. Together with guidance and training from staff, Kat has been volunteering three days a week and has proven to be reliable, helpful, and supportive.
She always puts our service users first before her own needs. Every week, she assists with the 'Movement in Water' project, which allows adults with CP and other disabilities to experience being in a swimming pool. She helps the participants with changing, care, and using flotation devices in the pool, as well as with swimming or movement. The 'Movement in Water' sessions have become extremely popular among our participants, with a waiting list in place.
After nearly a year of participating in the sessions, they have all developed a remarkable level of confidence and independence, which has significantly improved their progress and the enjoyment they derive from the sessions. Thanks to Kat's volunteering, we have been able to introduce a second session every week for our participants.
Kat has also been involved in supporting other aspects of our service, including helping participants with lunch, accessing the community on day trips, personal care, transportation, and other activities. She has truly become a valuable member of our team. Both the participants and Kat enjoy spending time together, and it has blossomed into a wonderful opportunity.
This weekend, Kat sacrificed a long weekend to support CPM staff and four participants on a holiday vacation to Somerset. The four participants within our service have limited opportunities for breaks away, so we are delighted that Kat has volunteered to make this opportunity possible for our adults."
Paul Ridley
On being told he was a finalist Paul reflected on what winning it would mean to him ...............
"Thank you I think winning this award would gives me recognition as a carer, as apart from other carers & family, there are people that think carers do much. Winning this would be an achievement that I never thought would happen when i started my journey as an unpaid carer 37 years ago."
We asked Paul to tell us a little more about what he does..........
"The battles for health, education & Adult services over the years have left me with a wealth of lived experience, good & bad. Since covid I have turned into a campaigner &Activist around my caring role. I have worked alongside We are carers & the We Care Campaign, Which?, Disability Rights, Carers Trust, Carers Uk, Talkback, Baton of Hope, NHS to name but a few and of course I have spoke at All4inclusions online events regarding non verbal autism.
I am hoping that more doors will open i have also been campaigning regarding Welfare reforms & assisted dying. But bottom line is my caring role will always come first. I have recently be appointed to the LGO advisory forum. I just want to make a difference & make sure people don't go through what we have been through."
Matt Witts
Matt explains to us some of his journey as an unpaid carer.............
"As an unpaid carer, I look after my son who has severe autism, managing extreme challenges including aggressive outbursts that have led to serious injuries , one resulting in a hospital stay.
Still, I continue to give selflessly, i am in remission from cancer have permanent heart failure and knees that give out whenever they feel like it , yet this wont stop me
Have been to the depths of having nothing inside left physically mentally and felt like throwing in the towel while crying on the floor in a pile of his toileting , yet this wont stop me , im not alone anymore all4community has taught me to take this journey and carry it on my back with my little angel chase and march through the trenches with all4 community by my side with love and care in my heart to the end"
Its very clear to see were all winners here and I have the upmost respect for you all , we have all lived through and in hardship , maybe in different places and different scenarios but equally all deserving and i applaud all of you and so honoured to be acknowledged , your all awesome 🙌🙌👏👏👏👏🫂🫂🫂🫂