A trained nurse from Mid Wales who refuses to allow her severely restricted vision to deter her from caring for elderly people has won a coveted industry award.

Marina Bowles, who is registered manager of Crosfield House Care Home in Powys and has almost 30 years’ experience in care work and nursing, was announced gold winner of the Excellence in Leadership and Management (Care Home) category in the prestigious Wales Care Awards 2015, held at City Hall in Cardiff.

The award, sponsored by Christie & Co, is a fantastic achievement for Marina, who is registered blind after losing the sight of her left eye when she contracted measles as a child and later developed Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – a progressive condition that has left her with severely restricted sight in the other eye.

“I was really surprised and humbled,” said Marina from Newbridge-on-Wye, who was accompanied to the awards ceremony by her husband, Robin, and daughter, Sarah.

“It was a fantastic night, I really enjoyed it. I’ve never won any award before and to be fair I’ve never put myself up for one. My operations manager nominated me and I’m of course very grateful he did.

“But it’s not all about me. I accepted the award on behalf of all the staff at Crosfield House as they all do an amazing job and without them I couldn’t do my job as well.”

Marina has worked at Crosfield House since 1998 – first as a nursing sister then as a house sister before becoming deputy manager in 2002.

A mother to three grown-up children, Marina became the registered manager of the care home in 2004 while it was still managed by the Royal British Legion and was part of a team of professionals that worked with academics at Bradford University to design and promote a new model of person-centred care which still has relevance today.

The care home changed ownership to Careinn in February 2011 and Marina was instrumental in overseeing a new holistic approach at the home aimed at increasing standards and promoting the happiness and wellbeing of the residents.

“I believe you should make people feel like they’re at home and not in a hospital,” she said.

“We try and put things into place that make it homely. We have chickens in the courtyard because some of our residents have been farmers and are used to looking after farm animals. We have raised flower beds so they are at the right height for those in wheelchairs.

“I am always wondering what I can do next to improve the way of life for the residents. We’re all going to be in this position at some stage, we’re all going to be elderly – I’m nearly there already! To that end, I want to treat our residents how I would want to be treated. That’s what person-centred care is all about.”

Marina started her career as a nurse within the NHS although still working with elderly patients. She moved into care so she could take on more responsibility and quickly established herself as a key member of the team.

Although she has struggled with her health in recent years, Marina said Careinn had been incredibly supportive, providing her with all sorts of equipment to make her job easier.

“It would be easy to give up and go home but I’m not ready to give up work,” she said.

“If I can continue to make a difference I will do so. The rest of my brain is still working, it’s only my eyes that aren’t.

“I don’t do it for any other reason than I enjoy my job and want to make a difference. I’m delighted to be recognised for the work I do. I’m almost an old age pensioner myself!”

The prestigious national awards, run by Care Forum Wales, acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.

Mario Kreft, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “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.”

Trevor Wymark, group manager for activities, supported Marina’s nomination for the top award.

He said: “Marina Bowles is a straight talking, honest, hard-working manager who, without doubt has a wealth of experience, compassion, understanding and professionalism. She has the respect from her staff and peers. Marina also has the appreciation of her residents and relatives, who consider her as a friend and someone to trust. Marina has made Crosfield House Nursing Home the home of choice.

“Marina has her own personal challenge, an eye condition that will result in the loss of her sight. She works without complaint and has continued to find new ways of working despite her condition. I have nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for Marina who continues to be an inspiration and a shining example of the all-round care manager which the care industry can be proud of.”