Britain's oldest nurse scoops gold at social care 'Oscars' after incredible 66 years of service

Daisy Richards qualified as a nurse in 1958. Still working and loving her job, the 84-year-old has won two awards for her outstanding service in the NHS

Britain’s oldest nurse told of her joy at scooping two gongs in the “social care Oscars”. Daisy Richards won gold for Dignity in Care and bronze for Outstanding Service.

And the 84-year-old told how she has no plans to retire as she still loves her job. Daisy said of her honours: “I’m still in a state of shock at getting gold. I don’t think it has registered.

“It really floored me. It took me a few seconds to realise it was me. One of my colleagues sitting by me told me that I had to go and get the award. It was lovely, everybody was so kind. I suppose it is a bit of an achievement at the age of 84.”

Daisy, who qualified as a nurse in 1958, was presented with the gongs at the Wales Care Awards in Cardiff. She works at Fairways Newydd Nursing and Dementia Care Home on Anglesey. Daisy added: “I really still enjoy my job, every bit of it. I enjoy every day looking after the dementia patients.

“I think it’s true that age is only a number. People ask why I am still working at 84, and I say it could be any number. I could be 20 or 30. The important thing is that I am still able to work and do my work to my maximum capacity.”

Daisy’s boss Rebekah Charles said her gold award was “well-deserved”. She added: “We were all thrilled for her. She is so lovely and humble.”