When June Tong took voluntary redundancy from her admin job during the pandemic, she thought she’d enjoy a slower pace of life. But just months into retirement, she was restless.
“My house was immaculate, my garden spotless — I had to find something else to do,” she laughed.
A part‑time kitchen assistant role at Dan Y Bryn care home in Pontardawe seemed like the perfect fit. Within weeks, she’d swapped jobs with a colleague and found herself running the kitchen.
Cooking from the heart
June, 61, trained in catering as a teenager but spent most of her working life in offices. Now, she’s one of three national finalists for the Excellence in Catering Award at the Wales Care Awards, which celebrate outstanding work in the care sector.
She’s known for going the extra mile — from themed takeaway nights served in newspaper or silver cartons, to a birthday cake iced in braille for a resident who is blind.
“I do all this because I enjoy making people happy,” she said. “To see the residents smiling is what I’m here to do — but to know people are noticing, that’s what makes this so special.”
More than a job
June still works her 24 contracted hours, but often comes in on her days off to help with arts, crafts and gardening.
“We must remember this is the residents’ home, and it’s our job to make it feel like their own,” she said. “Even if I just make one person happier, then I know I’ve done my best.”
Her colleagues say she’s a “winner in our eyes” whatever happens at the awards ceremony in Cardiff on Friday 17 October.
Janine Marouf, General Manager at Dan Y Bryn, said: “June goes above and beyond daily, putting love and care into the food she provides, and coming in out of hours to carry out activities and decorate the home for special events.”
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Every single one of our finalists is a winner. The Wales Care Awards recognise the remarkable and vitally important contribution people like June make every day.”
