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A support worker at a residential home has won a national award six months after entering the care industry.

Andrea Price, 51, won gold in the exceptional newcomer category at this year’s Wales Care Awards, which were held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on October 18.

Andrea, from Fleur de Lis, works at Springfield Residential House in Gilfach, which is home to six people with learning difficulties.

She was nominated for the award by Claire Taylor, the home’s manager, who said: “Although she had worked within the social sector for only six months when we nominated her, when watching her carry out her role you would never believe it.”

For Andrea, it’s a role that’s come naturally to her, due to her experience of caring for loved ones.

In 2019, her husband, Jon, suffered a massive heart attack and was not expected to survive.

At the time Andrea was running the clubhouse at Fleur de Lys Rugby Club, but had to give it up because of Jon’s lengthy treatment, during which he underwent a heart transplant.

However, once Jon was well enough, Andrea began looking for a new job. That was when the role at Springfield “just came up”.

Claire told judges that Andrea was always smiling and energetic in her approach and “truly embraced the social care values of respect, compassion and dignity”.

For Andrea, it’s a career path she wished she had “done years ago”.

She said: “It is so rewarding to see the response from the individuals. I’m sure that caring for disabled members of my own family over the years has helped.”

Andrea said she was taken aback by the scale of the presentation evening, at which she was supported by Jon and several colleagues.

“It was much grander than I’d imagined and I was really shocked to win,” she said.

“It was a lovely evening and Jon was crying when my name was announced.”

The awards were organised by Care Forum Wales, whose chairman, Mario Kreft MBE, praised the “extremely high” standard of entries.

Mr Kraft said: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.”

He added: “This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales. We take our hats off to them.”