A “PASSIONATE” care manager from Pen Llyn who featured in a Panorama documentary exploring the care of vulnerable people in their own homes is in the running for a top award.

Menna Roberts, who is a full time carer for her disabled parents as well as an area manager for Bangor-based Cymorth Llaw Ltd, thrives on helping vulnerable or terminally ill people retain their independence by remaining in their own homes.

The 36-year-old, from Llanaelhaearn, has risen through the ranks since starting her first care job working with individuals with learning difficulties and mental health issues 16 years ago.

Now, just six months after gaining UK-wide exposure on BBC’s Panorama programme and the Welsh BBC series Week In Week Out, the former Ysgol Botwnnog secondary school pupil is celebrating further national recognition – a Wales Care Award nomination.

Menna, who has worked at Cymorth Llaw since 2003, has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Leadership and Management award.

The national awards, run by Care Forum Wales, acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.

Menna, who is responsible for 150 carers and staff, will now attend a glittering awards ceremony at City Hall in Cardiff on 17 November which will be hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, best known as Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV adverts.

“I never thought I would get this far, I cried when I heard I’d been shortlisted,” she said.

“This is the first time I’ve been in the running for anything. It’s a really nice feeling.

“I just want every service user to be treated as I would want a member of my own family treated. It’s a very rewarding job and it’s my life. The thanks you get back from people when you bring them home for care is so rewarding. You feel like you’ve made their wish come true.

“The most important aspect of the job, especially when delivering palliative care, is to meet the needs of the individual and fulfil their personal wishes. We work with them to ensure they are treated as they deserve to be treated and I feel very privileged to do that.”

Menna started working in care at the age of 18 after completing a health and social care qualification at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Pwllheli.

As well as the demands of care management, Menna is also a full-time carer for her parents, Nora Roberts, 78, who suffers from emphysema and is on permanent oxygen and Thomas Roberts, 77, who has been disabled for 20 years following a scaffolding injury.

“I’m an only child so there’s only me,” she said, admitting she rarely leaves her care work behind.

“My dad’s there for my mum during the day and they struggle on. I go to them on a daily basis.

“I think I was always going to go into care. I love working with elderly people and listening to their stories. Keeping them at home is where they want to be and I help make that happen.

“My philosophy is to keep positive,” she finished.