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Cheltenham carer spreads joy on Christmas Day in BBC Radio 2 interview

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Posted on 27th December 2019.

Siobhan Johnston Helping Hands carer, Siobhan Johnston, featured on the BBC Radio 2 show, Good Morning Sunday on Christmas Day.

Siobhan, who works for our home care Cheltenham and Gloucester branch, was busy supporting customers throughout the day who need extra care at home and who would otherwise not have seen anyone else on Christmas Day.

She chatted live on Christmas morning in between her care calls to Rev Kate Bottley – also known for being on TV’s Goggle Box – the host of the Sunday morning show that changed its name for the festive special to Good Morning Christmas.

During the interview, Siobhan explained that she had already visited an elderly lady with dementia earlier in the morning: “She didn’t even know it was Christmas until I came in. I bought some crackers and we pulled those, and we sang some Christmas songs. Even if she remembers for two or three minutes, at least I’ve tried to make her feel special, and that means the world to me.”

Siobhan went on to describe her job as a carer: “I’ve been a carer for about seven months now, so this will be the first Christmas I’ve ever worked. I must say, the job’s rewarding day-to-day as it is, let alone at Christmas. It’s going to be a lovely feeling going home to my family knowing that I’ve given back this Christmas.”

When asked by Kate why she decided to work in the care industry, Siobhan spoke of how her mother has been a nurse for over 40 years and has inspired her to choose a job where she can help others and really give something back.

Cheltenham and home care Gloucester Branch Manager, Deborah Farrington, said: “We are very proud of all our carers and Siobhan is one of many who worked across our region over the festive period. Siobhan has been amazing from the first day she started with us. She is an articulate, compassionate and dedicated young carer and has an amazing future in the care industry ahead of her.”

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