A compassionate care expert from Wrexham was honoured with two gold awards at the social care Oscars.

Trainer Sophie Smith, 27, won the Gold award for Excellence in Palliative and End-of-life Care Award – sponsored by Hallmark Luxury Care Homes – at the 2024 Wales Care Awards.

The glittering ceremony in Cardiff was hosted by TV and radio presenter Jason Mohammad.

She was nominated for delivering exceptional palliative care and end-of-life care training at the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham.

But Sophie, from Brynteg, was surprised when her outstanding work was recognised with a second Gold award, this time in the Dignity in Care category sponsored by the Welsh Government.

She received her award from Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.

“I was totally stunned,” said Sophie. “I knew I was in the running for the first award and I was shocked to win that.

“I went to the awards with my friend and when they announced the Dignity in Care award I didn’t even realise they called my name. It was only when she started screaming that I’d won that it clicked,”

This year’s presentation ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, was held at Holland House, Cardiff, on October 18 and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

“None of us really know what happens after we pass away – and that’s why I feel it is important to ensure that at every stage of care – even after a patient passes – we treat them and their families with respect and dignity,” said Sophie.

After working part-time at Pendine Park as an admin assistant, Sophie went to university and gained a  master’s degree in law.

She came back to work in palliative care however, realising that ensuring end-of-life care was respectful and compassionate was something that really mattered to her.

Among the reasons Sophie was nominated was her work to change the advance care plans that the nurses complete.

She highlighted that they were too clinical and needed two parts – clinical and personal. On the personal side, understanding things like a person’s favourite music, who they want around them, even whether they would want the curtains open or closed and the importance of reviewing regularly.

She has not only helped care staff understand that everyone wants a dignified death she has trained the staff to feel comfortable asking these difficult questions.

Sophie added: “What we do stays with people for a lifetime. Losing a loved one is always difficult so we need to do all we can to support them and that is what drives me.

“There is a lot more attention on social care at the moment. We need to support care workers more and also to show people that this is important work. We are with your loved ones right up to the end, ensuring they are comfortable, they are not lonely and do not suffer.”

Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.

He added : “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.

“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

”We take our hats off to them.”