Social Care News

Gold award for 101-year-old 'shows value of older people in society'

An award given to a 101-year-old at the 2012 Wales Care Awards for her work in her community on Anglesey shows the value of older people in our society, according to Care Forum Wales chair Mario Kreft.

Mary Augusta Edwards MBE, also the UK's oldest community councillor and school governor, was awarded the Craig Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wales Care Awards on October 26. Unable to attend the glittering awards ceremony in Cardiff's City Hall, Mario Kreft presented her with the award at Rhos care home in Malltraeth, on Anglesey, where she still helps out every Friday. A video of her receiving her award was shown in front of the packed ceremony.

Serving her community with distinction

Mary dedicated the honour bestowed by the Wales Care Awards to the community she has served with such distinction over many years saying, "I am absolutely overwhelmed because I feel I don't deserve it. I feel there are so many people doing so much good work that they deserve it more than I do."

Mario Kreft said: "The Wales Care Awards organisation is just delighted to be able to present this award to Mrs Edwards and for me personally it's a great privilege and honour.

"There is no question that Mrs Edwards richly deserves this award for her work in the community over countless years, doing good work and providing community cohesion which is so important.

"She is a truly remarkable lady and a shining beacon and an exemplar for other people doing good work.

"The award is really something that shows the value of older people in our communities.

"She is an absolute pillar of the community and embodies all that is good about public life and public service in Wales."

Watch the video here

See a video of Mrs Edwards receiving her award and read more about her here: Modest Mary receives her award