A maintenance officer for a Colchester care home has picked up an Unsung Hero Award.

 

James Kalisz, who works for Alderwood Care Home, picked up the accolade at the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People awards ceremony earlier this month.

 

Mr Kalisz was recognised for going beyond the call of duty for residents.

 

He took one of the Alderwood residents, Ronald Spencer, along to the ceremony, where he won £250 for Alderwood’s home activities, a bottle of whisky for himself, a certificate and plaque.

 

Judges noticed how Mr Kalisz involved residents and understood their needs when developing the care home garden, how he helped one resident cope with the grief of losing his wife, and worked as a chauffeur, barman and barbecue chef at Alderwood, alongside his work as maintenance officer.