The team and residents at Arbour Court care home in Marple, Stockport, are celebrating a monumental achievement as their colleague, Amy Melia, has been crowned the national National Foundation Champion at the prestigious Barchester Care Awards 2025.
A Triumph of Dedication and Community Spirit
Amy's victory recognises her extraordinary commitment to fundraising for the Barchester Charitable Foundation, which is currently marking its 25th year of supporting older people and adults with disabilities or mental health conditions. The foundation's vital work focuses on helping individuals connect with their local communities.
The Barchester Care Awards are designed to honour staff members from across the UK who provide exceptional service. This year, the competition was fierce, with a staggering over 5,250 nominations submitted from Barchester's 268 care homes and private hospitals, which collectively support 13,500 residents.
Going the Extra Mile: Two Gruelling Challenges
Amy, a Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager, proved her dedication by taking on not one, but two immense physical challenges within a year to raise funds.
Her fundraising journey began in September 2024, when she pushed her limits to complete the punishing Great North Run, which was her first-ever competitive race.
Not content with just one achievement, Amy then embarked on an even greater test of endurance in June 2025. She participated in the mammoth Tour de Barchester, a four-day team cycling event. This year's route was a formidable 225-mile journey, starting in Dumfries and weaving through Cumbria and Lancashire before finishing in Cheshire, passing 17 different Barchester homes along the way.
Through her immense effort and determination across these two daunting events, Amy managed to raise an incredible £3,880 for the Foundation.
Recognition for a Passionate Champion
Expressing her joy, Amy Melia said: "It is a dream come true to have been named the national winner, I couldn’t believe it when my name was called out at the award ceremony! 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."
She added, "The Foundation does such vital work, I’m so happy I was able to challenge myself to take part and in doing so help to support so many people."
Lisa O'Neill, the General Manager of Arbour Court care home, heaped praise on her superstar colleague: "This is such a fantastic achievement, the whole home is so proud of Amy. She is so dedicated and always goes the extra mile, literally. She took part in not one but two fantastic challenges to raise money for the Foundation, we all think she is superhuman!"
Amy's story is a powerful testament to how individual passion and effort can create a significant positive impact on the wider community, earning her a well-deserved spot in the national spotlight.
