CLARE Mankowski is in the running for a Worcestershire Health and Social Care Award.

The mother-of-two, originally from Stourport and who now lives in Kidderminster, has been nominated for the The Care Hero Award.

Mrs Mankowski, keeps her client list deliberately small, deciding she wanted no more than three or four clients at any time to ensure she can deliver the best care she can.

She started work as a carer with a local care provider after returning to the area from working in London, and five years ago she set up on her own as a self employed carer and currently has three clients.

The pandemic has put a stop to her visits, but she still rings two of the people she cares for both twice a day to provide friendship and support.

"Nothing stops me, my ladies are my priority," she said.

Clare offers personal care, manages medicationand also offers vital companionship.

During the pandemic she has also been a lifeline between client and distant family, gone with clients to hospital appointments, and is always available for their calls.

There are 12 categories in our Health and Social Care 2021 Awards. They are:

• Care Hero

• Care Home Worker

• Care Trainer

• Healthcare Employer

• Domiciliary Care Worker

• Good Nurse

• Adolescent and Child Health Care

• Dementia Carer

• Palliative/ End of Life Care

• Mental Health

• GP Practice of the Year

• Healthcare Team

Voting closes on April 2 and our panel of judges will choose the finalists, who will be featured in our titles.

Winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on May 27.

Sponsors include the University of Worcester, Sanctuary Care, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Worcestershire County Council and Knights Pharmacy.

Michael Purton, the editor of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, said: “The people who work in the health and social care industry have always been an inspiration, not just during the pandemic.

"I would urge all of our readers to nominate an individual or team, to show them how much you appreciate everything they do.”

To nominate someone or a team for the awards, fill out a nomination form here