THIS week we honoured our fantastic care heroes through the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2021.

It was fantastic to hear the stories of our inspiring care heroes.

Although we clapped for the care heroes and keyworkers on our doorsteps last year during the first lockdown, Thursday night's ceremony was a chance to properly say thank you and truly recognise them.

For those who missed it, or want to watch again, the link to enjoy the ceremony is at the top of this page.

Our overall winner, Zoe Rira has a story that captures everything about the sacrifices and the hard work the care heroes do - often unseen - each and every day.

Zoe selflessly left her husband and three children at home to move into the Worcester-based Juniper House Residential Care Home to care for the residents when the Prime Minister announced the first lockdown in March 2020.

Congratulations to Zoe, and all the award winners. 

● Don’t miss our eight-page winners’ supplement celebrating all those who won - included in our newspapers next week.