A “ray of sunshine” who brightens the lives of Broughty Ferry care home residents this week received the prize of a holiday in the sunshine.
Demi Evans thought she was arriving for just another day at the job she loves when she reported for duty at Balcarres Care Home.
Without warning, staff brought the residents together and then BUPA regional director Kenny Valentine stepped forward to present the surprised 18-year-old with a gold envelope.
She opened it to find a voucher for £1000 to go towards the holiday of a lifetime in an award scheme to recognise staff’s contribution to BUPA. She had come second in a competition to honour the commitment of staff which was open to all 350,000 BUPA employees in the UK.
“I was absolutely amazed. I couldn’t believe what was happening,” said the care assistant, a former pupil of Lawside Academy. “When everyone got together and Mr Valentine gave me the envelope and I opened it, I was speechless.
“I have been at Balcarres for about a year and I love my job. The staff are great and I really enjoy being with the older people.”
Demi, from Lochee, has not had a chance to decide how she will spend the voucher, other than saying she will go on holiday with family or friends.
Balcarres manager Lynn McLean said, “Demi is a great employee. Since she came here she has been so good very enthusiastic, willing to learn, never absent and always cheerful.”