A head housekeeper celebrating 20 years at a care organisation has been hailed a role model.

Mum-of-four Julie Edwards started as a junior care support worker and made her way through the ranks to become Head Housekeeper at Pendine’s Cae Bryn care home where she now leads a seven strong team of care staff working with residents living with dementia.

She said: “I love my job, over the years I’ve made such good friends here. Working in the care sector can be an emotional roller coaster, but the rewards are so worth it.”

Gardening-loving Julie was thrilled when she was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers to mark her two decades at Pendine Park.

Pendine’s Housekeeping Manager, Sheila George, has known Julie since she started her career there two decades ago.

She said: “I hold Julie in the highest regard. She is a lovely person and a hard worker. She cares so much about everybody she comes into contact with, our residents and our staff.

“I have so much admiration for her and her determination to go the extra mile. She has always put in 100 per cent since she first started with Pendine and I could not be more proud of the way she has progressed over the years and she is a true role model.”

The Leader: Julie Edwards chats with resident Diane RalphJulie Edwards chats with resident Diane Ralph (Image: Ceidiog PR)

Julie first joined Pendine Park in 1999 then left for a short while to be a chamber maid before returning in 2003.

She credits her boss of many years, Housekeeping Manager, Sheila George, with teaching her all she needed to progress in her career.

She said: “Sheila has always been my mentor. She was my first boss when I started and that was right here in Cae Bryn. She was so knowledgeable and helpful to new starters, a real source of good advice. Even now I still turn to her if I encounter any little problems or just to share good news.”

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Julie has kept her enjoyment of care work in the family in more ways than one. Her daughter Danielle, 31, has followed mum’s footsteps and is a Senior Care Practitioner at the Penybryn care home.

Senior manager Tracey Smith said: “Julie has been a great support over recent years, supporting new and existing staff with procedures and passing on her knowledge of what works well. 

"Julie is a credit to our organisation and she is our go to person whenever we need support.”