Mary Taylor hasn’t always been lucky at the County Durham Together Awards – having been nominated for Carer of the Year on multiple occasions by her clients, but never taking home the coveted trophy.

However, that all changed this year when she was announced as this year’s winner, stepping up to the stage, unable to hold back her tears.

Mary, who works at St Aiden’s Cottage in Bearpark, Durham, was lauded by those who nominated her as “selfless” and an “exceptional carer”.

Her nomination read: “From the minute I met Mary, she put me at ease and made me a promise to care, love and protect my mam the best way that she could. She and her staff have looked after my mam for nearly 6 years, and they have become her second family.

“Mary is an amazing manager/nurse and a very special person. S

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