A FORMER investment manager from Barry who switched to a career in social care to get more human interaction is now in the running for a national award.

Cerianne Gratton, 38, worked in the financial services sector for 17 years, protecting the multimillion pound investments of large corporate firms.

But after years of staring at a computer screen and little – if any – human interaction, she decided to return to the company where she completed administrative training at the age of 16.

And after working her way up to a managerial role at domiciliary care provider All Care, the mum-of-three is now celebrating reaching the final of the Wales Care Awards, after being shortlisted for the 'Promoting Fulfilled Lives' award.

The awards acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.

"I was really surprised about the nomination," said Ms Gratton.

"Keri, my boss, took a huge chance on me coming into the sector into a role which entails huge responsibility. I’m honoured and very grateful for the chance she gave me, even though sometimes this job is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.

"It’s also lovely that so many people wrote testimonies to back up my nomination.”

Nominating Ms Gratton for the award, company director Keri Llewellyn said: "Cerianne has totally embraced the mission and culture of All Care, where we are committed to being the best we can and thinking outside the box to improve people’s lives.

"Cerianne has become my right arm and a person I can be confident in to manage and guide the company. We are stronger and have developed so much as a company during her time in a management position."

Mario Kreft MBE, the chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards were important to recognise the achievements of people which may often go unrecognised.

"The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales," said Mr Kreft.

"The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation.

"If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

"We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce - they deserve to be lauded and applauded."

The ceremony takes place in Cardiff on November 17.