MARK Flanders from Bluebird Care Cornwall North attended The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace recently.
He had the opportunity to mingle with esteemed guests, including Queen Camilla and Princess Anne.
Mark, who described the experience as ‘like a fairytale’, was invited in recognition of the positive impact he has made on his community.
He said: “Becoming a care assistant has been a transformative journey for me, and I can’t believe it’s led me to this invitation to Buckingham Palace – just for doing something I love.
“This is the first job I’ve ever had where I genuinely look forward to coming back to work after a holiday – it’s just an amazing feeling getting to put smiles on people’s faces.
“The day at the Palace was like a fairytale adventure with people from all walks of life and an ambience I will likely never experience again. Amazing doesn’t quite cut it.”
Mark was nominated for the prestigious royal invitation by his colleagues after he was named the winner of the Bluebird Care ‘Expert of the Year’ Award in 2023, having been chosen from more than 10,000 care experts across the operator’s national franchise network for his care which judges described as having “genuinely changed people’s lives, by creating an environment where they eagerly anticipate each day.”
Mark is known among his peers and in his local community to always go above and beyond to provide first-class care to people in their own homes – supporting them to live their lives with independence and dignity.
Having worked as a factory worker for 30 years, making custard and rice pudding, Mark only made the decision to take up a more rewarding role in care a few years ago.