WHAT more could you ask for to see you through the difficult days of bereavement followed by lockdown than a ‘precious companion’ who is full of optimism, smiles and laughter.

Meet the ‘wonderful’ live-in carer Amanda Merrett, who has made a huge difference to the life of the person she cares for.

Mandie, as she is known, has been nominated for the Care Hero Award in the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards.

It is not only her client who has nominated her, friends have also noticed what a difference she has made and have nominated her as well.

Mandie works for the Kemble at Home agency and from the day she arrived at her client’s home just over a year ago as a live-in carer it was clear she was someone special.

“Being a carer is not a job to her, it is a vocation,” said the client, who asked not to be identified.

“She looks after me like I would look after my own mother, with a level of loyalty and devotion that is quite unique.

“She is kind, thorough and thoughtful. She has made all the difference to my life. She was a great support when my husband passed away and a precious companion during the epidemic when I could not receive visitors.

“We laugh a lot together, she cheers me with her joyful and positive approach. Mandie has brought so much laughter to my life.”

Friends of the client describe Mandie as ‘an unsung hero’, ‘the ideal carer’, ‘invaluable’ and someone who ‘genuinely cares.’

Nominations are still open if you know of a special person or team like Mandie who deserves special recognition in the Health and Social Care Awards.

It’s quick and easy, just go https://www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare/ to fill out a form.

Entries close onl August 21. The categories are: Health Care Team; Care Hero; Care Home Worker; Domiciliary Home Worker; Good Nurse; Care Trainer; Child and Adolescent Health; Dementia Carer; Palliative/End of Life; Mental Health; Health Care Employer; GP Practice of the Year