A SALTCOATS carer has been nominated by her partner and son as their key worker hero.

Sheila Conaghan works for Ayrshire Quality Care and Support and her family praised her for going above and beyond for them and her clients.

John Monaghan first met Sheila when they were both volunteering with a local disabled club, taking members on trips.

He was first attracted by her sense of humours but said that once he got to know her he realised her true nature.

He said: “She’s the kind of person that puts others before herself. Not only is she an extremely caring partner and mummy, she also goes out to work to care for her clients, whilst keeping them safe and happy.”

Sheila has worked in care since she left school.

John, who is a chef, said he was worried when the coronavirus lockdown was announced.

“It was a bit of a worry as she is in and out of people’s houses. But people rely on her, a lot of people.”

He revealed that Sheila doesn’t just care for those she visits, but also brings joy into their lives.

She makes the effort to dress up in costumes on special occasions such as Hallowe’en and Christmas.

She also cares for her own mother and does shopping for family and friends.

Her five-year-old son, William, was eager to nominate Sheila for the Herald’s key worker hero campaign. He understands the important work his mum does.

John said: “He just thinks the world of her, all the thing she does for him, he’s definitely a mammy’s boy.”

John, who has worked in social care in the past, thinks the recognition care staff are now getting is long overdue and he hopes it will be a permanent change for their working conditions and how they are respected by society.

He said: “Home carers are putting their lives at risk as much as anyone.

“They’re doing the work they’re always done. They don’t see it as anything different. It’s either in you or not.”