Five Years Making Memories
Celebrating Two Special CareGivers: Kerry and Lisa
Five years ago, Kerry M and Lisa K joined Kingsway Care on exactly the same day. Five years later, they are still making memories, collecting awards and throwing themselves into everything Kingsway Care has to offer.“Hang on… I know you!”
When Kerry McManus and Lisa Kilshaw arrived for their induction five years ago, neither expected to discover that they already knew each other. It was during their training that they made the connection.
Kerry explains:
“Lisa & I started at the same time. It was only when we started our training we realised we knew each other. Her mum & brother lived in the flat upstairs from me & when Lisa used to visit, our kids used to play together. That must have been 17 years ago, so it was great seeing someone I’d lost touch with and training together.”
Kerry M
So, completely by chance, two people who had known each other nearly two decades earlier found themselves starting a new chapter together at Kingsway Care.
And what a five years it has been.
Kerry has collected plenty of happy memories since joining Kingsway.
One of her proudest moments was being named CareGiver of the Year 2024, recognising the care and commitment she brings to her role.
She also became one of the stars of our #WhoCares? film, helping us shine a light on the people behind home care.
Then there was the 2025 summer party, when Kerry swapped caring for clients for some rather energetic water sports at Hove Lagoon
And, of course, the Christmas party featuring the now-legendary drag queen with no name.
“That was hilarious!,” Kerry remembers.
There have been some special occasions away from the usual CareGiving routine too.
I Just Love My Job
But when Kerry looks back over five years, it isn't one award, party or event that stands out. It is the people.
“Just being part of an amazing team really. I have so many happy memories and have met so many amazing people. I just love my job.”
And that might be the loveliest five-year work anniversary message we could ask for.
Lisa's Memories
Lisa has her own collection of wonderful Kingsway memories. Lisa particularly treasures her time with the late Eileen.
There was the time Lisa won Eileen a Christmas hamper at the Food & Friendship Luncheon Club. Then there was a trip to the hairdressers, where Lisa took Eileen to have a perm.
And the pair even became an award-winning team themselves when they entered the Coronation Crown Making Competition. Yes, they won. And yes, another hamper was involved.
Celebrating Don's 100th Birthday at Food and Friendship
One of her favourite photos is from Don's 100th birthday, celebrated at Food & Friendship.
As Lisa says, “that doesn't happen often.”
Lisa has also enjoyed some rather different adventures during her five years with Kingsway.
In 2024, she won the Brighton Treasure Hunt, alongside Arthur. However, the winning photograph was taken by Lisa's daughter, Paige, who was there enjoying the adventure with them. And Paige was also the lucky one who got to enjoy the prize - a weekend in London! Lisa and Arthur were, in her words, “chuffed but a little bit jealous”!
Lisa was also delighted to be named Senior CareGiver of the Year at our inaugural Kingsway Care Awards in 2024, another wonderful recognition of everything she brings to her role.
Making memories is part of the job
Kerry and Lisa have both been with Kingsway Care for five years, but their favourite memories tell us something bigger about what they bring to the team. They aren't simply turning up for their shifts and ticking boxes.They are getting involved.
They are celebrating birthdays and winning competitions. They are making crowns, solving treasure hunts and getting involved in water sports. They are taking clients to the hairdressers, sharing lunches and helping to create special moments that might otherwise never happen.
Because good care isn't only about what happens on a care plan. Sometimes it is a Christmas hamper, a new hairstyle, making a rather magnificent cardboard crown or celebrating someone's 100th birthday.
And sometimes it is simply having a laugh with someone and making an ordinary day feel a little more special.
Five years of caring, laughing and making memories
Five years ago, Kerry and Lisa arrived at Kingsway Care together, completely unaware that their paths had crossed nearly 17 years earlier. Since then, they have become an important part of the Kingsway family and created countless memories for themselves, their clients and the wider community.
They have also shown us something rather lovely about being a CareGiver.
When you get involved, you don't just care for people. You become part of their stories.
Happy 5th Kingsway anniversary, Kerry M and Lisa K.
Thank you for five wonderful years of care, laughter, adventures, competitions, celebrations and, most importantly, making memories with the people around you.
