Irvine carer wins top accolade

Jan 25 2013 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

An Irvine care worker has been named as one of Scotland’s top managers.

Cathie Simpson fended off 400 other care professionals to scoop the Manager of the Year award at the Scottish Care Awards.

Fifty-seven-year-old Cathie works at Ayr’s Claremont Nursing Home, but was born and still lives in Irvine.

Cathie said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won a Scottish care award.

“My staff are definitely my most valuable asset and without them, I wouldn’t have won this award.”

Claremont’s manager Carol Barr said she almost didn’t nominate Cathie for the prestigious award.

“We’re always asked for submissions each year, and nothing ever comes of it , so I almost didn’t bother – but I’m glad I put Cathie forward for this award!”

“I’m very proud of Cathie, she’s come a long way to become one of my most valued members of staff.

Carol goes on: “Ten years ago, Cathie was working in a factory, and it just goes to show how successful you can become with no experience and hard graft.”

Cathie’s husband Ian told of his joy when Cathie’s name was announced at the glitzy ceremony in Glasgow’s Hilton hotel in November.

“It was simply phenomenal, I was so chuffed for her.

“Our family never wins anything, but this wasn’t down to luck, just Cathie’s hard work over the years, we couldn’t be more proud.”