A KIND-HEARTED couple have been volunteering their time to care for others with Home Instead South Lakes.

Will and Kathryn Spendilow have worked part time with Home Instead for two years and were praised by their peers for their outstanding commitment to the organisation.

The couple have been married for 42 years, now live in Grange-over-Sands, having previously lived in Congleton for 30 years.

Together they have three daughters and four grandsons.

Previously, Will had an IT career for over three decades which was followed by ten years working at a community-based church in Congleton setting up and running a number of community services which touched and changed many people’s lives.

Kathryn set up and ran a Christian bookshop, resource centre and café which became an essential meeting place and focal point for many people in the community.

Will said: "We take on some care giver roles which means we spend a lot of times in people’s houses for visits. Each one for a varying length of time.

“Sometimes we stay for an hour but often longer. We follow a care plan for the people we look after.

“We like to be creative in how we do things and we want to give them the best possible care.

“It’s all about personal care, relationships and companionship. We like to take them out and keep them as happy as we can."

The couple have been praised by the organisation for their commitment and outstanding care.

Kathryn added: “My dad lived with us for six months and we took care of him which inspired us to care for others.

"Through family, work and friends we have always found our lives people centric one way or another and we were happy to discover the underlying motives and mantra of the Home Instead service based in Kendal echoing the same ideals and ambitions regarding provision of care and companionship to folk that wished to remain in their home but needed assistance of one form or another.

"We joined, received the training and support and started as Care Givers in August 2019.

"We largely work separately with different clients but we have also worked together where a “double-up” of caregivers is required.

"The approach to the delivery of care, encouraging of building trusting relationships and the opportunity to make a real difference stand out throughout the service.

“We feel very relaxed in our lives and even though it sometimes feels like an invisible job helping people, it is so rewarding.

“It comes with nice little rewards for the things we do. It is a privilege to do this we feel.”