A father of four from Cwmbran felt like a Hollywood superstar after lifting a top prize at social care Oscars.

Gareth Vincent secured a Gold honour for his work with the Caron Group keeping 14 care homes across South Wales and Powys in tip top condition.

Gareth was placed first in the Commitment to a Support Function category, sponsored by leading residential home resources supplier Care Home Life at the Wales Care Awards..

The winners were announced at a glittering presentation evening at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, compered by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

Ontex Healthcare was the overall sponsor for the evening which was streamed live online.

The streaming service meant Gareth’s friends and family including his four children – a 17 year old son and triplet daughters aged 12 – were all able to see him triumph on the night.

Gareth said: “It was a wonderful evening, celebratory and really humbling at the same time. Because the presentation was streamed online my friends and family knew pretty much straight away that I had been awarded Gold and within minutes of the announcement my phone was red hot with calls of congratulations.”

He laughed: “For a few moments I felt like a movie star on the red carpet at the Hollywood Oscars!”

Gareth praised all his work colleagues for helping him win the award.

He said: “Without all their hard work and support it would not be possible to achieve all that we do. It is a real team effort.”

The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales. The results in the commitment to a support function category were announced by Care Home Life head of customer experience, Amy Martin and the award was presented to Gareth by BP Khanal, Managing Director of Bira Care Homes.

Mario Kreft, 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 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.”

In his pivotal role with the Caron Group Gareth oversees and orchestrates maintenance requirements, resources allocation and safety protocols at 14 different care homes.

He has to ensure his team keeps up with daily maintenance operations but also be flexible and adaptable enough to act should a sudden unexpected repair like a lift breaking down at a care home or other change of schedule be required.

He said: “It definitely involves juggling a number of balls at the same time, but I love my job. Joining the care sector is the best move I made and it is hugely rewarding to know that the work you do has a positive impact on so many people’s lives.

First and foremost, in Gareth’s mind when making his daily work planning is the needs of the residents in all the care homes under his remit.

He said: “They must always come first, no matter what else is happening. It means that days can be unpredictable but I am naturally quite calm and don’t panic if I have to quickly rearrange an itinerary.”

Gareth was nominated for the accolade by Caron group managing director Raam Joshi who commended his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership.

He said: “Gareth upholds the highest standards of safety and ensures Caron Group care homes remain a secure and welcoming environment for all residents.

“Whether through renovations to improve accessibility, upgrades to enhance comfort, or repairs to maintain our high safety standards, Gareth strives to create an environment where residents can thrive and enjoy an enhanced quality of life. He is an extremely deserving winner.”

When not at work, Gareth, who lives in Llantarnam, Cwmbran, enjoys playing golf and spending time with his children.

The shortlist of finalists in each category of award was whittled down from hundreds of nominees and the presentation evening was attended by social care professionals from across the nation.