More about our new staff awards.
Our brand new Shining Stars Awards were dedicated to recognising our dazzling staff members who went above and beyond for others.
All finalists were chosen by our judging panel, which was headed by our Chairman, Rachel Beckett.
Nominations are now closed.
The awards night took place on Friday 21st February 2025
More about the Awards evening.
The Awards evening took place 21 February 2025. They were held in the Biscuit Room at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.
The evening consisted of the Awards ceremony, with a buffet-style meal catered for by Apetito, a photobooth for guests, a 360 camera and music by Hedkandi.
A huge thank you to everyone who made the night so special, and congratulations to all of our fantastic finalists and overall category winners.
Award categories,
finalists and winners.
Rising Star Award
This award recognised the dazzling progress of staff who aimed for the stars, showing initiative and willingness to learn, and rose through the ranks at Wellburn.
WINNER
Keren Mills - Eighton Lodge
Finalists
Taraivina Baselala - Nightingale Hall
Emma Goodinson - Riverhead Hall
Sally Kenny - St Catherine’s
Keren Mills - Eighton Lodge
Hannah Ridley - Grimston Court
Outstanding Team Player Award
Our Outstanding Team Player Award was for the staff member who brought something positive to every team, who wasn't afraid to get stuck in, and who lent a helping hand wherever it was needed – someone whose twinkling teamwork made a real difference!
WINNER
Janice Birdsey - Craghall
Finalists
Janice Birdsey - Craghall
Rukayat Onasanwo - Wellburn House
Alan Robson - Eighton Lodge
Jenny Robinson - Whorlton Grange
Jenna Thurlwell - Rosevale
Inspirational Care Home Manager Award
This award celebrated the stellar contributions of care home managers who lead by example and inspire those around them to be the best versions of themselves, a manager who embedded themselves across all departments of the home and who tended to their staff and residents' wellbeing.
WINNER
Christine Barbrook - Craghall
Finalists
Christine Barbrook - Craghall
Lee Dale - St Catherine’s
Kalee Herron - Eighton Lodge
Donna McKenna - Ryton Towers
Mentorship Medal
The Mentorship Medal celebrated our guiding stars – staff who consistently inspired others, providing advice and support to those they took under their wing, and helped to pave the way for fantastic care at Wellburn.
WINNER
Donna McKenna - Ryton Towers
Finalists
Steven Anderson - Whorlton Grange
Lee Dale - St Catherine’s
Donna McKenna - Ryton Towers
Idris Oyewunmi Ilufoye-Ojomu - Wellburn House
Cathy Slater - Grimston Court
New Sparkler Award
This award acknowledged new staff across Wellburn who started with a bang, making a glittering impact on the day-to-day running of the home, and who engaged positively with their colleagues and residents.
WINNER
Amos Parkes - St Catherine’s
Finalists
Gary Hurst - Garden House
Teagan Ketley - Nightingale Hall
Amos Parkes - St Catherine’s
Malgorzata Plottke - Craghall
Nataliya Tkachuk - Wellburn House
All-Round Entertainer Award
This award was for our cheer champions – those who went above and beyond to brighten our homes and put smiles on staff, residents’ and visitors’ faces!
WINNER
Christine Head - Glenholme House
Finalists
Donna Bentley - Riverhead Hall
Mandy Bramley - St George’s
Christine Head - Glenholme House
Annamarie Wintrip - Heatherdale
Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award recognised our innovators – staff who pioneered new and exciting ways to make their home and Wellburn extra special.
(For example, someone who has made an impact on the operations of the home, someone who has implemented systems which benefit both staff and residents, or someone who has managed to launch a new idea.)
WINNER
Donna Bentley - Riverhead Hall
Finalists
John Ajayi - St Catherine’s
Steve Barron - Riverhead Hall
Donna Bentley - Riverhead Hall
Sarah Coyne - Wellburn House
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognised those with over ten years of service to Wellburn, and who proved their glittering contributions and dazzling dedication during this time, whilst also upholding the company’s values.
WINNER
Judith Harper - Riverhead Hall
Finalists
Lousie Coates - Eighton Lodge
Judith Harper - Riverhead Hall
Karen Little - Ryton Towers
Priscilla Makwamaya - Craghall
Lynne Smith - Glenholme House
People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award celebrates Wellburn’s superstars, as chosen by residents, loved ones, suppliers and professionals. This is an award for those who shine extra bright!
WINNER
Navya Maya - St Catherine’s
Finalists
Lauren Bell - St Georges
Donna Bentley - Riverhead Hall
Navya Maya - St Catherine’s
Anthony Topping - Glenholme House
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