A YARNTON care home worker will find out this week if she is to be honoured for going beyond the call of duty.

Vanessa Howkins, who has worked at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home since it opened four years ago, has been shortlisted for the Care Worker accolade at the Great British Care Awards.

The Yarnton resident was nominated by the home manager Sheena Montague for the award, which recognises staff for going the extra mile to give people the very best care they can.

Mrs Howkins said: “I was nominated after a particular resident moved into the home, she was very vulnerable and only liked certain carers looking after her, me being one of them. We have a lovely bond.

“The 93-year-old lady had a hospital appointment on a day when I wasn’t working and I couldn’t bear the thought of her being frightened of all the different people at the hospital and machinery so I insisted on taking her to the appointment.

“I knew she would need me, someone who she is comfortable with, by her side and that’s where I was.”

The 47-year-old, who lives with her husband Mark, started as a care worker after previously looking after a elderly woman in the village who was moved into a care home.

She then applied for a job at Glebe House care home in Kidlington before moving to the Yarnton home four years ago.

Mrs Howkins said: “I’ve always enjoyed caring for people. I’ve always got satisfaction from helping others, especially if they need support to look after themselves.

“There’s no greater motivation than that for me.

“I find it really rewarding making the residents happy, if they’re happy then I’m happy.

“I make them happy simply by being there and chatting to them about their younger years and some enjoy me singing to them as well. I sing hits from their younger years or traditional hymns.”

As part of the judging process, Mrs Howkins had an interview with an awards judge, where she was asked questions about her work and the residents.

Mrs Howkins said: “It was a bit nerve-racking but as soon as I was in the room it was all fine and I found the whole experience really enjoyable.

“We have the awards ceremony next week so that will be a celebration in itself, but if I do win I might also get my family together to have a nice meal.”

On her time at the care home, she added: “There are always challenges for staff because some of our residents are very poorly but that is part of the job.

“There are days that are difficult but we always pull together as a team for our residents.”

After taking part in the judging day earlier this year, she will find out which of the five finalists have won the award at a gala night on Thursday in Brighton.

Mrs Montague said: “Residents and loved one adore Vanessa and it’s easy to see why.

“For her to give up her time to support residents at hospital appointments to ensure they feel settled is a heartwarming thing to do and there’s no place she would rather be.”