A Cardiff woman who swapped a high-flying marketing career for life in social care has won a national gold award.
Christine Ivins was left “overwhelmed” after scooping the top award at this year’s Wales Care Awards, recognising her as a shining example of compassion and commitment.
It came after she re-trained just after the Covid pandemic, having being inspired by looking after her in-laws who were both diagnosed with dementia.
After reaching retirement age, Christine left behind a successful career in marketing to fulfil her true vocation and says her new role at Hallmark Regency House Care Home, Cardiff, has completely re-energised her.
Her commitment quickly won her the admiration of her peers and managers. Having started in domiciliary care she is now Hallmark Regency House Customer Relationship Manager, the first point of contact for families making the difficult decision for a loved one to move into care.
General manager Georgiana Ionescu, who nominated her for an award, said Christine’s achievement is not just a professional milestone but a reflection of her commitment to excellence and her deep respect for those she cares for.
She said: “Christine’s story is more than inspiring—it’s a beacon of hope. It proves that age is no barrier to purpose, that compassion has no expiration date.
“She is living proof that care is not just a job, it’s a vocation that can find you at any time.”
Even though she is now in her mid-sixties Christine said: “I love my job, it’s not work for me, I’m happy to carry on doing this for as long as I am able.”
She was dumbfounded to receive Gold at the Wales Care Awards, affectionately nicknamed the “Oscars” of the care sector. She won the Excellence in a supporting function accolade, sponsored by Silverlink.
She said: “It was such a surprise. I was just enjoying the evening, meeting so many other individuals some of whom have spent a lifetime working in care. They are all so dedicated and it was heartening to see the work they do being recognised.
“Then when my name was called out I barely heard it, I was completely overwhelmed. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, my work colleagues and my family.”
Christine took her older sister Susan with her to the presentation dinner and ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff.
She said: “It was lovely to be able to share the moment with her. My wonderful partner Tim stayed at home looking after our dogs. But fortunately the whole night was streamed live online, so he was able to see me presented with the award. He was thrilled and rang me straight away.”
The proud mum of two grown up sons, Sean and Jake, said she was undaunted by the challenges of entering a completely new career in her mid-60s and motivated by the experience of looking after her in-laws.
“That experience completely changed me. Seeing the difference that consistent, compassionate care made to their happiness and safety was incredibly powerful. It lit a spark in me.
““I discovered it’s never too late to find your true calling or make a change if your heart tells you it’s right. I worked hard to gain my QCF Level 3 qualification and threw myself into learning everything I could, to do things properly and make a real difference.”
Christine eases the pathway into care for residents and their concerned families, engaging with them in the same compassionate way as she would want her own family treated.
She assesses their individual needs, coordinates move-ins, arranges residents’ rooms according to their personal tastes, daily routines and mobility needs.
Her passion and natural aptitude for care has deeply impressed Georgiana Ionescu, who said: “Christine has brought not just her skills, but her heart, to every interaction. Her life experience, emotional wisdom, and late-blooming passion give her a unique perspective, one that enriches the lives of residents and their families in ways that only someone with her depth of understanding can comprehend.”
The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales which represents more than 400 independent health and social care providers across the nation.
Chair of Care Forum Wales, Mario Kreft MBE, said the 2025 awards once again shone a light on the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.
He said: “For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.
“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.
“Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”
A special moment in the evening came when Mair Elis Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.
According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas’s long standing support for the Wales Care Awards and for social care more broadly.
“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,” said Mr Kreft.
“He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.”
