A cherished carer who has helped hundreds of people throughout her 15 year career has been named our Local Hero for this month.
Carron Gibson (44) from Livingston, was nomination by her devoted daughter Stacey.
Despite dealing with her own difficult situations over the years, Carron has soldiered on at every opportunity possible to help others, who are either elderly or disabled, to manage their daily lives as independently as possible in their own home.
Carron is highly regarded by all of her patients and their families with the independent care provider she works for as she goes above and beyond her job expectations.
She also has a friendly and sincere approach, listens to her patients and puts herself in their shoes by doing whatever it takes to help make their day-to-day life easier.
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Stacey, who worked with her mum two years ago, said: “My mum, who is the most compassionate person I know, brings love, laughter and security to so many vulnerable people every day and winning this Local Hero Award is a great way to show her how special she is and how much everyone really appreciates what she does for them.
“My mum has dealt with some difficult situations during her time as a carer but nothing stops her, she just seems to take it all in her stride. She truly is a hero to all her patients.
“To get the recognition she deserves for the hard work, effort and compassion she puts into people’s lives, with little thought for her own life is amazing – if only there was more people like her, the world would be a far better place.”
Carron said: “I am completely surprised that my wonderful daughter Stacey put me forward for the Local Hero Award and absolutely speechless and delighted at winning.
“For me, this is so much more than just a job.
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“Whether it’s helping patients with their medicines, finances or even just chatting over a coffee, seeing how much it means to them, means a lot to me.
“It has always been and will continue to be a job that I love very much, which at times can be challenging with long hours, but also very rewarding.”
The Centre and West Lothian Courier Local Hero Award has been created to recognise the outstanding work of people in the community and reward them with a £100 Gift Card.
Ashley Bisland, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We set up the Local Hero Award last summer to recognise and reward people in the community who are helping others out around them and we are still blown away with the number of letters which come in to us each month nominating even more incredible, selfless and caring people.
“Carron is just another wonderful example of this and gives us great pleasure to show our appreciation by announcing her as our latest Local Hero winner.”
Courier editor Marjorie Kerr added: “Well done to Carron, who has proved she goes above and beyond for the people she cares for.
“She is a very deserving winner.”
If you know anyone who fits the bill when it comes to going beyond the call of duty to help people in their local community, drop us a line at debbie.hall@trinitymirror.com.