Award in memory of much-loved Norfolk home carer Gill Chase

The winners from the Gill Chase Care Awards held at Fakenham Race Course - A collect photo of Gill Chase. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2015)

Gill Chase, 68, died suddenly last November after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

She had worked for Heacham-based Extra Hands as a home care assistant for 20 years.

The company said she was 'an exceptional carer', who was dearly missed.

Hazel Evans, director of care services, said: 'A year ago, we were devastated to hear that Gill had died suddenly and we were unable to say our goodbyes and say thank you for her dedication as a carer.

'To mark her time at Extra hands, we've decided to name an award after her.'

Nominations were open to all of its 200 or so carers and exmployees at its offices in Heacham and Horsham St Faith's, near Norwich.

A judging panel including members of Gill's family met to decide a shortlist, before the winner was announced at an awards do at Fakenham racecourse.

Those shortlisted were Ian Meredith, Charlie Hill, Diana Hutchinson and Doreen Taylor (Horsham St Faith's office); and Nina Stephen, Theresa Burwell, Susan Betchley and Jan Costick (Heacham office).

Nina Stephen was named overall winner, with Ian Meredith second.

Son Scott Chase said: 'As a family it's a really touching gesture to have her name attached to something which recognizes and remembers many of the things that we remember my mum Gill for.

'The qualities that she naturally possessed - her patience, her caring nature, her thoughtfulness and her commitment turned out to be absolutely perfect for a career that she loved and she excelled in.

'She wouldn't have thought there was anything special about what she did as it all came so naturally to her.'