BUSINESSMAN Gary Derbyshire has won Promedica24’s Franchise Partner of the Year award for his work in Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

Promedica24 is Europe’s largest provider of live-in care services and Gary fought off competition from across the continent, impressing the judges with his dedication to championing better care in the region.

Gary successfully set up his business in 2016, seeing the desperate need for an alternative to residential care homes. His branch initially focused on Lancashire however, he had so many requests for support, he quickly expanded to cover North Yorkshire.

Throughout his time working for Promedica24, Gary has consistently shown his commitment to improving the quality of life for older people in the community. He set up the Later Life Hub, a one-stop shop for information and support for the over 50s in North Yorkshire. To make sure he was in the best possible position to assist families, Gary also trained as a Dementia Champion with the Alzheimer’s Society and works to raise awareness and understanding of dementia locally.

The award also recognises Gary’s charity work. A golf day organised by Gary at Skipton Golf Club impressively raised more than £4,500 to support Dementia Forward, a North Yorkshire charity dedicated to providing support, advice and information to anyone affected by the illness.

Gary said: “I’m so proud to receive this award after building the Lancashire and North Yorkshire branch of Promedica24 over the last six years.

“It’s not always been an easy journey, but I have such a passion for what we do providing support for people at home and empowering them to be more independent in later life. Having the option of a live-in carer at home means that people don’t have to go into residential care if they’d rather stay at home, but with the right support for all of their needs.”