A TALENTED footballer from Rhyl hasn’t put a foot wrong since becoming a care worker, and is now in the running to pick up a top award.

Billy Holmes proved a “natural” and has now been shortlisted for one of this year’s Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work in the care sector.

The 31-year-old was nominated in the category for excellence in leadership and management in community based services, which is sponsored by Cartref Ni and Hoop Recruitment.

Billy started working as a Support Worker for MHC (UK) Ltd in Denbigh in 2013 and has since progressed to Team Leader and Deputy Manager.

He is now registered manager of Glasfryn and Garth, two homes accommodating individuals with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems.

As a teenager, Billy studied sports performance and excellence in Llandrillo College.

After college, Billy wasn’t sure what career path he wanted to follow, and a chance encounter where he was offered to see an MHC service was the start of his journey. 

The left-back and central defender is still a regular in Denbigh Town’s JD Cymru North League side, but it is his talent as a leader in care that has earned him the plaudits of his colleagues and residents.

He was nominated for the award by fellow registered manager, Crystal Pritchard, who said he had been a great support to her in seeking to provide a high standard of care, with full support of Gemma Jennings, the director of operations at MHC.

“He always puts the residents he supports first, working in a person-centred approach, supporting each individual to live their best lives and supporting them to be empowered and confident,” Crystal said.

“He has fantastic relationships with everyone who comes into contact with his work and he is highly thought of by those who know him.

“He regularly makes sacrifices to provide the best support for residents, for example supporting them on overseas holidays.”

Gemma added: “I am thrilled that Billy’s dedication, hard work and commitment is being recognised by the awards, an excellent example of our MHC Values”.

Billy said he derives huge satisfaction from seeing the improvements brought to the residents’ lives.

“I just want to ensure that the residents lead the best lives that they can, with the best opportunities,” he said.

He is now looking forward to the presentation of the awards, which is being held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on October 18.