A CARE home worker in Poole who helped raise almost £25,000 for charity has been recognised for going the extra mile for his care home.

Mervyn Knights, the hospitality development and standards manager at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy, created a cook-off event which saw the managing directors (MD) of five divisions of Barchester Health, which runs Upton Bay, go head-to-head to find out who can create the best dish.

The event was described as a great success by Barchester Health, with the MD’s producing “amazing dishes of an exceptionally high standard”.

Almost £25,000 was raised for the Barchester Charitable Foundation which helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their area.

Mr Knights efforts saw him crowned National Foundation Champion of the Year in the Barchester Care Awards 2024.

“I can’t believe I have been named the national winner,” he said.

“I am so proud and so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for me.

“It means the world to be recognised for doing something I am so passionate about.

“The foundation does such vital work, I’m so happy I was able to play a part in helping so many people.”

General manager of Upton Bay care home, Mevin Sohorye, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement, the whole home is so proud of Mervyn.

“He is so dedicated and always go the extra mile.

“The MD Cook Off was such a wonderful idea and he organised the whole thing brilliantly.”