A MANAGER who successfully battled to turn around the fortunes of a struggling Pembrokeshire nursing home has struck gold in major national awards.

Sue Lanceley’s dedicated approach to her role at Rickeston Mill Care Home saw the 55-year-old take gold in the Leadership and Management in Residential Care Services category of the 2017 Wales Care Awards.

“I was over the moon at winning. I certainly didn’t expect it and lining up on stage with the others shortlisted for the award as they announced the bronze, silver and gold winners in reverse order was quite daunting – a bit like the dance off in Strictly!” she said.

“However, it was brilliant to win the gold and I’m delighted to say about nine members of the team from Rickeston Mill, including my partner Mandy who is also my clinical lead at the home, were with me to share the experience of a really great evening.”

Two years after taking over CareInn Ltd’s Rickeston Mill home in Haverfordwest Sue Lanceley found herself facing the problem of a high level of bed vacancies but made it her sole mission to save the home.

It is now full with a waiting list and Sue’s “loving and understanding” management style has won her widespread praise from residents’ relatives.

A glittering presentation ceremony was held at City Hall in Cardiff for the Wales Care Awards 2017, hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, better known for the Go Compare TV ads.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.

“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,” he said.

“We take our hats off to them.”