An inspiring community worker has rounded off her honeymoon by scooping a top prize at this year’s Wales Care Awards.

Lowri Blackmore, from Pwllheli, was announced as a winner in the prestigious national awards at a glittering ceremony in Cardiff just one week after she married her childhood sweetheart.

Organised by Care Forum Wales, the Wales Care Awards aim to reward outstanding work in the care sector, with Lowri winning gold in the award category for Outstanding Service, sponsored by the Silvercrest Group.

The 57-year-old, who is manager of Gwynedd and Anglesey Council’s Shared Lives Scheme – which works to place adults with learning disabilities and mental health or sensory issues within a family setting in the community – said she couldn’t believe it when her name was called out for the gold award.

“I was overjoyed and really was not expecting it,” Lowri said.

“But it was an amazing feeling to get the award, it was such a wonderful night, so well organised and was a fantastic way to showcase the Shared Lives Scheme.

“It has been such a whirlwind of a couple of weeks and a wonderful way to end our honeymoon.”

Lowri and retired builder Roy, 62, first met as teenagers 40 years ago and reunited seven years ago. After getting married in St George’s Hall in Liverpool, the couple decided to incorporate the glittering awards ceremony into their honeymoon. She has now dedicated her award to the carers who make Shared Lives such a success.

“The award means so much personally and it’s such a privilege as it means the Shared Scheme is recognised. This award is for my enablers as they are the ones who are doing the hard work and it this that makes the scheme.”

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