A former railway worker who switched careers to care for people with dementia is celebrating a top national industry award.

David Rees, from Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, worked as a maintenance technician for two years across the UK’s rail network including on the London Underground.

But almost 13 years ago, he began volunteering at Hallmark Greenhill Manor Luxury Care Home in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfill, part of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, following his mother’s footsteps into social care and within six weeks was offered a full-time job as a care assistant.

The 31-year-old hasn’t looked back since and has now scooped a coveted gold award at the Wales Care Awards 2024

David, now a nurse assistant who recently embarked on full nurse training, triumphed in the Residential Care Practitioner Award category.

Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.

David collected his award at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

He said: “It came as quite a shock but I’m really grateful to be honoured and to receive this award. I would like to thank everyone for recognising all the hard work that goes on. Without the team, then none of this would be possible.

“It was heartfelt to hear everyone’s stories on the night, not just Hallmark staff but all social care workers across Wales, especially the nurse who received the dignity award at the grand age of 84. I thought it was incredible.

“We obviously don’t often get the chance to meet up outside of our roles and it was nice to see the management team and my colleagues at an event like this.”

David explained that he used to work on the railways doing general maintenance jobs like changing sleepers and ballasts.

“It was never my intention to go into social care, but my mum has always worked in the sector and kept saying ‘Dave, you’re a lovely, caring person, just try it, you’ll love it’. I started volunteering initially but I loved it from my very first shift,” he said.

“Walking through the door opened my eyes. I was 19 at the time and had never heard the word dementia before but I took to it like a duck to water. Now, I could never see myself doing anything else.

“It’s about going in with a good attitude and making a positive impact on people’s lives and giving them the best quality of care they deserve. These people have worked hard all their lives, and this is their time to relax.”

The dad-of-two left Pen-Y-Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil, at 16 and embarked on a plumbing apprenticeship at Merthyr Tydfill College but struggled to find an employer to continue his learning as a Level 3 apprentice.

After reassessing his options and an initial stint on the railways, David is now continuing his education through nursing, undertaking a 15-hours-per-week nursing placement at Hallmark’s Tŷ-Enfys Luxury Care Home in Cardiff – in addition to his full-time role at Greenhill Manor.

David, who lives with his partner Tiffany and has a daughter and son aged nine and six, currently works with the home’s dementia community where his positive attitude and boundless enthusiasm has been put to good use.

David fondly recalls supporting an elderly lady who arrived at the home bedbound but over time was able to be rehabilitated, progressing from a wheelchair to a walking frame and eventually walking unaided.

David was nominated by a member of the Greenhill Manor team for his commitment to delivering outstanding care to all the people living on the community and for going above and beyond on a daily basis’.

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

He added : “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.

“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.”