Caring duo go the extra smile

A caring duo have won a top award for going the extra smile.

Christine Lewis, 55, and Olga Azarcon, 41, who work here at Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham, shared the Top Smiler prize at our annual Smile Awards.

The award was created in 2010 to recognise those who not only smile, but who go the extra mile to help others here at Pendine Park.

We employ over 600 people across seven care homes, a training company and domiciliary care company.

All the entrants in the competition were nominated by co-workers, care home residents and their families.

Fifteen finalists were chosen by a panel of judges. Usually, there is only one overall winner , but the judges decided they couldn't chose between Christine and Olga, so awarded them both the gong.

Christine, from Wrexham, who works as a Care Support worker at our Highfield care home, said: "I was made up when I found out that I'd won a Smile Award.

The married mum of three, who has worked at Pendine Park for four years, added: "I was shocked and nearly in tears. It made my day. I feel very proud and it was lovely to read what my other members of staff, residents and members of their families had written about me.

"I just love my job, and I can honestly say that. It's so nice and friendly at Pendine Park. I sing all of the time in work. My favourite song is Jingle Bells.

"A smile is so important for the residents, because it's something that can make their day. It makes you feel good to make them feel good."

Olga, a senior care practitioner at our Bodlandeb care home, said: "I'm always smiling when I come in to work. I come in with a smile and I leave with a smile. People have told me that my smile is infectious."

The mother of four who is originally from the town of Nueva Ecija near Manila in the Philippines, added: "I think it's really important to smile because when you smile you can make other people feel better. It's a way of showing you care and it makes you approachable.

"I am always singing for the residents and dancing. I know their favourite songs so I sing the old songs for them, and they really like that.

"I really love working at Pendine Park. The management is very supportive and I have grown as a person here. There are a lot of training opportunities here and as well as opportunities to progress."