Chalfont St Peter care home worker is named National Charity Champion

Staff and residents at Chalfont Lodge care home in Chalfont St Peter are celebrating because their wonderful colleague, Kirsty Taylor, has been named National Foundation Champion in the Barchester Care Awards 2026.  The Barchester Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health condition by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 14,000 residents living in Barchester’s 272 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.

Almost 6,000 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Kirsty is over the moon to have been named a national winner in recognition of her hard work fundraising for the Foundation. Set up in 2000, this year marks the Charitable Foundation’s 26th year supporting individuals, community groups and small charities all across the country.

Last September, Kirsty took part in the gruelling Great North Run.  Kirsty and her fellow team of runners donned their lycra, put on their trainers and use grit and determination to complete the 13.1 mile half marathon course that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the iconic Tyne Bridge in order to raise funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, in total they raised a whopping £2,687.

Kirsty said: “I can’t believe I have been named a national winner!  I am so proud and so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for me.  It means the world to be recognised for doing something I am so passionate about.  The Foundation does such vital work, I’m so happy I was able to challenge myself to take part and in doing so help to support so many people.”

General Manager of Chalfont Lodge care home, Raj Boodhoo, commented: “This is such a brilliant achievement, the whole home is so proud of Kirsty.  She is so dedicated and always go the extra mile, literally.  She took part in a fantastic challenge to raise money for the Foundation, she is an absolute superstar!”

Dr Pete Calveley, Executive Chair of Barchester Healthcare, added: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year.  We have the best teams in the world and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our members of staff, they are all absolutely amazing.”