A Torfaen support worker who swapped the steel industry for the care sector during the pandemic has been recognised for transforming the life of a man living with dementia.

Nigel Galloway, 52, who works for Q-Care, a domiciliary care company operating in South Wales, has been named as a finalist at the prestigious Wales Care Awards, known as the Oscars of social care.

The accolade comes just five years after he began working in care for the very first time.

He’s been shortlisted in the Excellence in Dementia Care category, sponsored by  Hallmark Care Homes and Camascope Ltd.

The event is being 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, is being held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.

The former heavy industry worker now supports 66-year-old Pete Cox, a retired lorry driver with early-onset dementia.

His life-changing support has allowed Pete to stay at home with his family instead of entering respite care, and has had a profound emotional impact on both Pete and his loved ones.

“Nigel has been a godsend,” said Pete’s wife, Gail. “Nothing is too much trouble. Before Nigel, Pete was very depressed – but now he’s smiling, engaging, and enjoying life again. Nigel treats Pete as a man, not just someone with dementia. That dignity and respect has changed everything for us.”

Nigel, who lives in Pontypool and started at Q-Care at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after being made redundant from the steelworks, admits he never expected to stay in the role long-term – let alone be up for one of the sector’s top accolades.

“I only intended to help out during the pandemic,” he said. “But during training I was struck by the bravery and commitment of the care staff working under such difficult conditions. That lit something in me, and I’ve never looked back.”

Nigel now visits Pete regularly, taking him on walks, to the gym, and even out to old truck stops – places Pete remembers fondly from his days as a long-distance petrol tanker driver.

“When I learned about Pete’s past life on the road, I knew I had to help him reconnect with it,” Nigel said. “We’ve had breakfast at truck stops, visited museums with his son – it’s all about making life meaningful and familiar again.”

His manager, Kelly Mantle, said Nigel has quickly become one of Q-Care’s most respected team members.

“Nigel is loyal, adaptable and a natural mentor. The feedback we receive from families speaks volumes. He always goes above and beyond,” she said.

Nigel’s recognition comes as part of the annual Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales to highlight the vital work done by care professionals across the country. The awards have become known as the ‘Oscars of social care’ and celebrate individuals who go the extra mile to make a difference in people’s lives.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Care Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.

“We established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable and vitally important contribution everybody makes, day in day out.

“The event  underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector’s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our front line heroes and heroines across our nation.

“If you don’t value the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.”

Nigel added he was “surprised but very pleased” to be recognised:

“I never imagined this when I left the steel industry – but I’ve found something I truly care about. Helping people like Pete live with dignity and joy is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”