Chef Lorna triumphs at national awards

Bourne View chef Lorna Parsons is enjoying the taste of triumph after being crowned Chef of the Year at the prestigious National Care Awards 2022

Lorna, 39, first began working for Colten Care in 1998, aged just 14 as a part-time waitress and in 2002 became the company’s first apprentice chef.

She said: “My heart was beating so hard in my chest as the awards presenter read out the nominees. 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 first gave me my job here 25 years ago and I was just absolutely thrilled to do it for him and everyone else at Colten who have been such a huge support to me and my career.”

Colten Care’s Hotel Services Manager Fergus Davitt said the award was: “richly-deserved.”

“Lorna shows immense dedication in all she does each and every day, and I am so proud of her,” he added.

“I know she’ll be anxious to show the trophy off to all the residents and is already 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, now in their 24th year are organised by the social care publication Caring Times Magazine and were devised to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide consistently 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, will also be thrilled with her success.”