A Wandsworth local has been recognised for his extraordinary contribution to care in national care awards.

William Gallagher, who was selected from hundreds of entries from all areas of the care community, won Outstanding Contribution to Home Care at the Towergate Care Awards on March 23.

William, 58, who has worked in care for 40 years, said he was very “surprised” when he heard his name read out.

He said: “While I knew I was shortlisted, it was such a prestigious event- I didn’t expect to win.”

William grew up in the west of Ireland and first became a carer for his mother when she developed a rare connective tissue disease. He found the care his mother received was not to the standard it should be.

“They lost sight of the person she was. She lost her confidence through it all.

“In the care sector people are often defined by their conditions. They’re sort of dehumanised,” he said.

William’s mother died in her forties and it was then he decided to dedicate his life to care. Services Care Manager at Leonard Cheshire Disability charity, which cares for people with physical disabilities, he also works with Wandsworth KITE Enablement (Keep Independent Through Enablement).

“We have people from the age of 20 to 90 in here.

“The most important thing is allowing them to care for themselves as much as possible. These people could be my brother, mother or father. What would I do to make sure their care was the best?”

William is also a major force in the Winter Warmer Campaign, which has helped hundreds of elderly people and those on the poverty line.

He describes having a “great relationship” with Wandsworth’s care services.

“They have enabled me to stretch boundaries and try lots of different methods.

“It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.

“The greatest reward for me is that I have the opportunity to help someone help themselves- when you see someone walk again who hasn’t walked in six months or see someone simply be able to say their own name,” said William.

The Roscommon born award-winner said that although he was happy to accept the award, the quality of care in Wandsworth is thanks to effective collaboration within the community.

Councillor Jim Maddan, Wandsworth Council’s health spokesperson, said: “I’ve worked with William for 15 years. He is a fantastic role model within the care community.

“The work he’s done is outstanding- he’s been there for lots of residents who otherwise wouldn’t have received the care they did.”