A Newport nurse who devoted more than half a century to caring for others has been honoured with two top awards celebrating her lifelong service.

Sharon Leach, who began her nursing career aged just 16, scooped Gold in the Outstanding Service category at the Wales Care Awards — before going on to claim a surprise Dignity in Care Gold Award on the same night.

The 68-year-old, who recently retired after a 52-year career spanning hospital wards and care homes, said being recognised twice at the event — dubbed the “social care Oscars” — was “absolutely incredible.”

“I couldn’t believe it when I was named as one of the Dignity in Care award winners,” said.

“My table was towards the back of the room and I was amazed to see my picture shown on the big screen when the nominees were revealed and it was fantastic to be presented with the award.”

The event is organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector. The presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, was held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel.

Sharon added: “I did what I always wanted to do — I loved nursing and management. I never expected to be up for an award for doing the job I was passionate about.

“It was a lovely, lovely at the awards presentation. I was there with colleagues and friends and they say my face was picture when my name was announced. I hope someone took a picture! It’s a fitting end to my career.”

She started her career on a cadet nursing course in the early 1970s, eventually becoming a State Registered Nurse and later managing several care homes across Gwent before working at Claremont Court Care Home in Newport.

Sharon formally retired earlier this year, but not before making a lasting mark on the lives of residents, families and staff — particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she described as one of the most defining moments of her career.

“It was a privilege to work during that time. Families couldn’t be with their loved ones, so we had to be their link — emotionally and physically. We found new ways to keep them connected. It was hard, but we absolutely nailed it as a team,” she said.

Sharon’s dedication didn’t fade with seniority. Just three years ago, she returned to frontline nursing, completing regular bank shifts to stay close to the residents she cared so deeply about.

Now enjoying her well-earned retirement, Sharon is focusing on family life — going for long walks with husband Steve, spending time with her grandchildren, and training her new puppy, a toy poodle named Myfanwy.

Her former manager at Claremont Court, Sue Percival, who nominated her for the award, said Sharon was “the beating heart” of the care home.

“Sharon’s compassion, leadership and clinical knowledge were instrumental — especially through the challenges of the pandemic. She not only supported residents, but also the families and staff who relied on her guidance.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of the Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care 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 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 Award 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.