A selfless couple whose lives have been dedicated to helping others less fortunate than themselves are in line for a major award.
Jeff and Lynne Gornicki have been put forward for a prestigious award despite claiming, with typical modesty, that their work is ample reward in itself.
For 40 years the couple from Wyllie, near Blackwood, have provided support for vulnerable people, initially as foster carers and then within the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme run by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
It was Shaun Nicholls, who is employed in the council scheme, who nominated them for one of this year’s Wales Care Awards, and they have been shortlisted in the category for the Peter Clarke Award for promoting excellence in services for children and young people, sponsored by Care Inn Ltd.
The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to acknowledge excellence in the caring profession. It is the 15th anniversary of the awards and the 25th of Care Forum Wales, and this year’s ceremony will be held in Cardiff City Hall on October 19.
Jeff and Lynne became foster parents when their own sons, Mark and Robert, were only seven and two years’ old respectively. Their first foster child ‘J’, who is autistic and has cerebral palsy, ‘J’ is still living with them – at the age of 40.
It was to ensure stability and consistency for the young man that they initially became Carer’s within the Shared Lives Scheme
The scheme supports adults with a variety of needs in maintaining long-term arrangements within a family setting.
“We wanted ‘J’ to stay with us, as he had never known anyone else,” said Lynne, who first gained experience while caring for her brother, who has learning difficulties.
Jeff and Lynne, also provide care and support for two other adults within the family home.
Although Jeff is now 68, and Lynne two years younger, they have no plans to retire because they love what they do.
“I have never got up in the morning and thought ‘I don’t want to do this’, “Lynne said.
She said they were overwhelmed to have been nominated and then shortlisted for the award.
Shaun, who nominated them, described them as “the very embodiment of the type of carers that we hope to recruit and they consistently demonstrate why they are so highly thought of by the people who access their support”.
“To say that they go above and beyond their role would be an understatement of colossal proportions and in my opinion there has never been two more deserving nominees to have their contribution to the care industry acknowledged like this,” he said.
He described the couple as “selfless beyond belief, compassionate, caring, pro-active, non-judgmental and patient”, always striving to advocate for vulnerable people and to achieve the best possible outcomes.
“They offer 24/7 support and are regularly called upon during the night to support individuals,” he added.
Jeff and Lynne take respite breaks, during which they enjoy visiting other parts of Britain for weekends and other short stays, and both enjoy walking. They are now looking forward to attending the presentation evening.