Carer of the Year: Kay Hardwick

‘INTRINSICALLY caring’ Kay Hardwick has been nominated for the Specsavers-sponsored Carer of the Year award.

Nominators Phyllis and Derek Trump said: ‘Kay is intrinsically a caring person, having worked all her adult life in nursing. However, her caring nature was tested almost beyond limits when she had to temporarily give up her nursing career to become a full time carer for her beloved husband Rob, when he was tragically diagnosed with motor neurone disease in early 2020.

‘Aside from the emotional impact of such sad news, Kay had to deal with the Covid lockdown and the practicalities of nursing someone with MND.

‘Never once did we hear them complain about their lot, both were determined to try to live a life as full as was possible given the limitation of both Rob’s rapidly deteriorating health and Covid restrictions.

‘Kay looked after Rob’s every needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, often lacking sleep to get up to support Rob through the night as his illness progressed.

‘Kay was there to provide not only the emotional support as a wife, but the practical support as a qualified nurse. Kay managed to keep Rob at home throughout most of his illness, something Rob very much appreciated.

‘Tragically Rob died in early February this year, but fittingly with Kay by his side. No one could have given more to support someone with MND, a fatal disease with no current cure.

‘Kay is now slowly returning to nursing, and Guernsey will be a better place for having such a dedicated, caring nurse who knows what life’s tragedies can throw at you.’