UK: Zimbabwean care worker wins national award; takes Exceptional Newcomer gold

By barryanddistrictnews.co.uk

UNITED KINGDOM: A care worker who moved 7,000 miles to begin a new life in Wales has won a national award.

Taurai Zimbi, a community care worker based in Barry, took home gold in the Exceptional Newcomer category at this year’s Wales Care Awards.

Zimbi, 41, relocated from Zimbabwe to Wales in 2024 and now works for All Care South Wales, supporting a patient in Barry who requires 24-hour care due to a rare condition.

Zimbi said: “Unfortunately I could not be there on the night but my wife attended and collected my award on my behalf.

“I really wasn’t expecting to win and it was a huge shock when I got the message to say I had won the gold.

“I was ecstatic.

“I love my job and I do not see it as work so be recognised in this way is such an honour.”

Zimbi’s passion for care began in Zimbabwe, where he left his job as a service station manager to look after his father following a stroke.

He said: “Things are very different in Zimbabwe and you give up work to look after family members who need you.

“This is where I learned to care for others and realised the importance of having people around you to look after you.

“It was then that I developed a love for caring for others.”

One of his proudest moments was helping his patient achieve a bucket list dream of climbing Pen y Fan.

With the support of the patient’s family, a special frame was created to carry the seat portion of his wheelchair.

Zimbi said: “It was so cold.

“At first I wasn’t sure we were going to do it, the climate is so different but I made it my mission to get to the summit.

“I wanted us to reach the top and put a big smile on his face.”

Despite having no previous experience in the care sector, he has quickly made a positive impact and plans to further his career with additional qualifications next year.