By Lorraine Gibson.

DORSET care home chef Lorna Parsons had a taste of triumph when she was crowned Chef of the Year at the National Care Awards 2022.

Lorna, 39, who started working for Colten Care in 1998 as a part-time waitress at just 14, works at its Bourne View home in Poole and in 2002 became the company’s first apprentice chef.
“My heart was beating so hard in my chest as the presenter read out the nominees,” she said. “Then, when they announced I had won, it was just an absolutely fantastic feeling!
“I was with Colten Care’s hotel services manager Fergus Davitt, who gave me my job here 25 years ago, and I was just thrilled to do it for him and everyone at Colten who has been a huge support to me and my career.”
Mr Davitt said the award was ‘richly deserved’. And he added: “Lorna shows immense dedication in all she does every day, I am so proud of her. I know she’ll be anxious to show the trophy off to the residents and is planning to put it on display in our reception at Bourne View so everyone can enjoy it. That’s the kind of person she is.”
The National Care Awards, founded almost 25 years ago, are organised by social care publication Caring Times Magazine and celebrate the best people in the long-term care sector, highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide outstanding care.
Elaine Farrer, Colten Care’s chief operating officer, said: “The whole company is immensely proud of Lorna, and I felt privileged to be there, to see her win and share her joy.
“I know her residents, who adore her as a person, as well as their chef, are also thrilled with her success.”