A CARER and a volunteer, who were nominated for the BBC Local Heroes Awards by Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, have both won first place in their respective categories.

The awards, are held every year, and celebrate the contributions of local heroes in the community.

Staff at Phyllis Tuckwell felt that Judith Shrubb, the carer of one of their patients and Gill Ely, a volunteer on the hospice’s in-patient unit, deserved recognition for their unwavering dedication and commitment to helping others.

Judith cares for her husband Paul, a Phyllis Tuckwell patient who has been living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for more than 10 years.

MND attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord, stopping messages from reaching muscles and leading to muscle weakness and wasting.

Initially Paul needed help with washing, shaving, dressing and toileting, but now also needs help with eating and drinking, can only walk short distances, and has found his speech is affected too.

Judith also looks after her 86-year-old mother and for 10 years before his death in 2012, also cared for her father who suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Phyllis Tuckwell staff also nominated Gill Ely, a volunteer who has helped at the hospice since 2013, where she serves teas on the in-patient unit (IPU), picks up shifts to cover other volunteers, and helps at the physiotherapy exercise class as well.

A former nurse, Gill spent many years at a missionary station in Zambia, running clinics for local people. Now retired she volunteers for four charities – Sue Ryder, the Thursday club, Phyllis Tuckwell and Swimability.

She also volunteers for a charity in India which cares for around 40 mentally and physically disabled children who have been abandoned because of their disability.

Gill goes to India from the end of February to the end of July each year, helping to ensure the children are as well-fed as they can be before the winter months arrive.

She has learnt basic Hindi, so can ask the children if they feel ill or are in pain, but as most of them can’t speak, “we get by on gestures, pointing, smiles and cuddles,” she said.

Phyllis Tuckwell chief executive Sarah Brocklebank said: “We are delighted that both Judith and Gill have been recognised as local heroes, and won first prize in their categories.

“Our volunteers and carers are amazing, and strive selflessly to help others who are living with a terminal illness.

“We have nearly 1,000 volunteers at Phyllis Tuckwell, all of whom we support through training and induction days, and many carers who we look after throughout their time with us, through support groups, counselling, pamper days and practical advice.”

Judith added: “To be nominated was amazing, but to win was even more so. I still can’t believe it. I feel humbled. There were so many amazing people at the awards ceremony and they all deserve awards, they’re brilliant.”