A FORMER steelworker who has had major heart surgery can now be said to have a ‘heart of gold’.

Gareth Watkins was among those honoured in this year’s Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional practice in the sector.

At a ceremony in City Hall, Cardiff, the Pontypool man received a gold award in the category for Supported Living Care Practitioner.

After leaving school he became an apprentice in the steel industry and went on to become a supervisor and section manager, spending a total of 38 years in the industry, largely at Llanwern.

In 2007 he accepted redundancy and, for the past eight years he has been a domiciliary support worker for QCare, whose office is in Pontypool, helping in cases where people have a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, dementia and Parkinson’s Disease in the Pontypool and Cwmbran area.

The 61-year-old was nominated for the award by the company’s senior registered manager Kym Wright, who said he had an unusual ability to adapt to his service users’ needs and deliver care in different ways.

“He has been able to turn service users’ lives around and maintain their safety and independence within the community,” said Kym.

His wife, Ann, a former finance manager, also works in the care sector now and their grand-daughter Bethany also works for QCare.

Asked what he gets out of his new career he said without hesitation: “It’s pure job satisfaction. I really enjoy it.”

Three years ago he underwent open heart surgery for replacement of an aortic heart valve but he returned to work as soon as possible afterwards.

A former rugby player and coach, he now spends his leisure time playing golf. He is a member of the Woodlake club and tries to get in at least one round a week.

“It was a lovely evening and they were in tears,” he said, speaking of the ceremony itself.

Mario Kreft, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.

He added: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

“We take our hats off to them.”