A palliative care expert was left stunned after winning a golden double at the social care 'Oscars'.

Sophie Smith, 27, from Wrexham, was honoured with two gold awards at the Wales Care Awards.

The trainer scooped the gold award for Excellence in Palliative and End-of-life Care Award, sponsored by Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, at the ceremony in Cardiff.

She was nominated for delivering exceptional palliative care and end-of-life care training at the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham.

But Ms Smith, from Brynteg, was surprised when her work was recognised with a second gold award, this time in the Dignity in Care category. 

She received her award from Jeremy Miles MS, cabinet secretary for health and social care, as the award was sponsored by the Welsh Government. 

Ms Smith said: "I was totally stunned.

"I knew I was in the running for the first award and I was shocked to win that.

"I went to the awards with my friend and when they announced the Dignity in Care award I didn’t even realise they called my name.

"It was only when she started screaming that I’d won that it clicked."

The ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, was held at Holland House, on October 18, and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

Ms Smith was nominated for her work to change the advance care plans that the nurses complete.

She highlighted that they were too clinical and needed two parts - clinical and personal.

On the personal side she found that it is important to have an understanding of things like a person’s favourite music, who they want around them, even whether they would want the curtains open or closed. 

She has not only helped care staff understand the importance of a dignified death for everyone, but she has also trained them to feel comfortable asking challenging questions.

Ms Smith said: "What we do stays with people for a lifetime.

"Losing a loved one is always difficult so we need to do all we can to support them and that is what drives me.

"There is a lot more attention on social care at the moment.

"We need to support care workers more and also to show people that this is important work.

"We are with your loved ones right up to the end, ensuring they are comfortable, they are not lonely and do not suffer."

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

He said: "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."

Ms Smith began working part-time as an admin assistant at Pendine Park before attending university, where she earned a master’s degree in law.

She returned to work in palliative care, recognising that providing respectful and compassionate end-of-life care was something deeply important to her.