Local care home crowns Wilmslow resident ‘Local Hero’

A Wilmslow resident has been named the winner of a care home’s ‘Local Heroes’ competition, claiming a £500 prize pot.

Janet Taylor was awarded the top prize of £500 by the team at Care UK’s newly opened Long Stone Manor, on Manchester Road.

The ‘Local Heroes’ competition was launched to find an individual, charity, group or club that makes a positive difference within the Wilmslow community and reward them for their commitment to the local area.

Over the past 12 years, Janet has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local projects in Handforth and Wilmslow. Her contributions have supported initiatives such as the war memorial, skatepark, picnic area, and floodlights for the youth centre. 

Additionally, Janet has dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering in the local area, assisting with tasks ranging from shopping to driving individuals to hospital appointments and making visits. She has also volunteered to drive the MAG (Mobility Access Group) bus, which takes elderly and vulnerable people on shopping trips and recreational excursions.

Commenting on being crowned Wilmslow’s ‘Local Hero’, Janet said: “I am delighted to have been nominated and declared winner for this award. I have been working with community groups for the past 10 years and am very proud of the improvements and amenities we've been able to provide.

“I’ve worked with fantastic groups of volunteers who I wish to thank also for their assistance and local companies who are always willing to support the community projects.  I would like to thank the team at Care UK Long Stone Manor for this opportunity and their very generous prize.”

Emma Tillyer, Home Manager at Long Stone Manor, said: “We all know someone in the community who goes above and beyond for others – here in Wilmslow, it’s Janet. 

“The nomination we received on Janet’s behalf was so heartwarming that there was no doubt in our mind that she embodies what it means to be a local hero. Janet has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the many residents living in Wilmslow and the surrounding areas.

“Supporting the community and vulnerable people is a cause that is close to our hearts here at Long Stone Manor. We are delighted to be able to reward a local hero who goes above and beyond to positively impact the local area. We want to extend our congratulations and a big thank you to Janet for everything she does."

Care UK’s Long Stone Manor is a new state-of-the art care home that opened to residents in February 2025, providing full-time residential and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence, Long Stone Manor features 60 spacious en-suite bedrooms and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, and the home has its very own cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.