HARBOUR View Care Home staff members are celebrating their recent win at The Stars of Social Care Awards 2024.
The team took home 'The Above & Beyond Team Award.' The award recognises them for their effort in organising a wedding for their terminally ill resident, Phil Rourke.
Phil, a musician and fundraiser, was only 52 when he moved into the care home after his treatment for multiple brain tumours was halted. Despite his condition, he proposed to his partner of nine years, Sara, hoping they could marry before his death.
Harbour View staff members held a wedding in the transformed dining room, complete with a meal and a wedding cake to celebrate their love.
After the nuptials held in March 2023, Sara said: "It was just this whirlwind, how everyone at Harbour View made the day happen and it was a first for the home.
"The staff and the care are excellent, and we thank everyone involved for organising our wedding in such a timely manner."
It was a bittersweet celebration, as Phil died three weeks post-wedding.
The award ceremony, held in London on June 15, saw The Harbour View team joined by Sara.
Leanne Morgan, the home's manager, said: "I am so proud of all my team not for just organising the wedding for such a wonderful couple, but for everything they do on a daily basis to enrich the lives of our wonderful residents.
"We feel very honoured to have won this award and having Sara with us at the ceremony was very special for all of us and another chance to honour Phil’s memory."
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