Mumby’s Live-in Carer Maggie Wins National Palliative Care Award
Malgorzata “Maggie” Pierzchala has been named winner of The Palliative Care Worker (Community) Award at the Palliative & End of Life Care Awards 2026.
We are delighted to share that Malgorzata “Maggie” Pierzchala, one of our live-in carers, has won The Palliative Care Worker (Community) Award at the national Palliative & End of Life Care Awards, organised by Care Talk magazine.
The category recognises care professionals who deliver outstanding, holistic and person-centred support to people approaching the end of life — in their own homes and in their own communities. It is one of the most competitive categories in the awards, and Maggie was recognised alongside her Care Manager, Amy, for the way the two of them work together around one client and one family.
Maggie embodies everything the award stands for: grace, clinical skill and unwavering dedication.
Nearly three years of care, and one consistent wish
Maggie has supported her client, Anne, for close to three years — through progressive dementia, increasing frailty and the complexities of end-of-life decline.
Throughout that time, she has honoured Anne’s deepest wish: to remain at home.
The relationship they have built is grounded in trust, compassion and genuine companionship. Anne is now bed-bound, but while mobility allowed, the two of them walked, shopped, attended church and read together, with shared daily routines supporting Anne’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
That continuity is the heart of live-in care. It is also what makes palliative care at home possible for so many families.
Adapting as needs change
As Anne’s condition has changed, Maggie has adapted with exceptional professionalism.
She identified a Grade 4 pressure sore during a Braden Scale assessment and escalated immediately to the Care Manager, the GP and the District Nursing team, ensuring rapid intervention and preventing further deterioration.
When Anne began refusing food and fluids, Maggie drew on her detailed knowledge of Anne’s preferences to prepare nutrient-rich smoothies that maintained hydration, comfort and dignity at a stage where eating had become difficult.
Caring for the whole person
A palliative approach is never only clinical.
Maggie recognises the emotional weight of bereavement, low mood and seasonal change, and responds with gentle reassurance, structure and simple presence. Her ability to hold physical, emotional and spiritual needs together in one plan of care is exactly what person-centred end-of-life support looks like in practice.
Communication that changes outcomes
Teamwork sits at the centre of Maggie’s practice.
Her detailed daily notes and proactive updates were instrumental in securing additional funding and arranging double-up care when Anne became bed-bound. That collaboration between carer, Care Manager, GP and district nursing team is what has made it possible for Anne to stay at home — her preferred place of care.
What Anne’s family say
Anne’s family describe Maggie as “amazing”, praising her warmth, her attentiveness and the peace of mind she gives them.
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of all: Maggie’s support has given them back the ability to be daughters, rather than full-time carers.
A commitment to learning
Maggie’s dedication to excellence extends to her own professional development. She recently completed her Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship — a reflection of her commitment to safe practice, continuous learning and the highest standards of care.
“Very proud” — Amy, Care Manager
Amy, Maggie’s Care Manager, said:
“Winning this award has made me very proud of my carer Maggie and the level of person-centred care she provides for Anne. She adapts her care to changing needs, maintains dignity, and is committed to making a real difference at the end of her client’s life.”
Maggie on the night
Maggie reflected on receiving the award:
“What a mixture of emotions! A wonderful evening and a splendid ceremony. First shocked, then over the moon when I heard my name as the winner. I’m grateful to Mumby’s for all the support and recognition while caring for my client. I’m happy for myself for a job well done, appreciated and trusted by my client’s family, and encouraged to continue even better.”
Celebrating Maggie
Maggie’s achievement is a testament to her compassion, her professionalism and the deeply human way she approaches care. Her clinical skill and emotional intelligence make her an extraordinary carer and a thoroughly deserving national award winner.
We are honoured to celebrate her, and proud to have her as part of the Mumby’s team.
Considering live-in or palliative care at home?
Mumby’s is a specialist live-in care provider based in Abingdon, supporting families across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. Our carers are trained, employed and fully supported by us, and our team is contactable 24/7.
If you are exploring end-of-life care at home for someone you love, or would simply like to understand your options, we would be glad to talk it through with no obligation.
Talk to our team → | Read more about our palliative care at home