BLUEBIRD Care, specialists in providing care in the home, is once again sponsoring of one of the categories in this year’s Pride in Our People awards.

Ray Mortimer, who runs the Ealing branch of the national provider, in Pitshanger Lane, Ealing, said: “I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to be involved in Pride last year, having been unaware of them before.

“After attending the presentation ceremony I was very impressed with the nominees. It was a real eye opener to see all the outstanding things they had done in Ealing and a wonderful experience to meet them. We are more than happy to continue our support.”

Ray, who went to school and was brought up in Ealing, set up Bluebird Care nearly three years ago after a poor family experience in Bath.

He said: “My brother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had a carer provided by the NHS who was hopeless. I had fallen out of love with the motor industry and I thought I could do better, so I investigated the world of home care because I knew absolutely nothing about it.”

He now has 25 to 30 carers from across the globe and 60 clients, and prides himself on providing a unique service of tailored care visits, from 15 minutes to full live-in support.

Bluebird Care caters for elderly clients and people with disabilities and dementia. If there are any issues they pass them on to relevant services such as a district nurse or GP. Supervisors also do spot checks on carers to ensure quality of care.

Ray, who has two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren, said: “It means we can offer our customers what they need. It’s not just their physical wellbeing which is important, but it’s a psychological boost to have someone you know to talk to.”

His carers and his customers are local and Ray is now considering offering childcare in the home.

He said: “We are improving people’s quality of life. It is tremendously rewarding. For the first time in my life I am doing something worthwhile. I am helping people.”