Dying Matters Rutland unveils winner of the 2025 Snowdrop Award

An “exceptional” carer has been recognised with a county award which celebrates health and care professionals.

The Rutland Snowdrop Award, run by the Dying Matters Rutland charity, was set up to reward exceptional and compassionate end of life care.

Nominated by friends and family members, previous winners have included Wisteria House care home, in Uppingham, and the Snowdrop Care Agency.

This year’s winner, Adrienne Pienaar, was nominated for providing exceptional care which allowed her client to continue a rich and varied professional and social life to the end, despite serious illness.

Adrienne, who works in Uppingham, was presented with the award by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, who hosted the ceremony and afternoon tea at her home.

“Adrienne has gone above and beyond, and her kindness and compassion significantly impacted and improved the quality of the end of her client’s life helping him to make the most of the time he had left,” said Dr Furness, who is patron of Dying Matters Rutland.

The charity is dedicated to improving end of life care and aims to encourage conversations about dying and help people to plan and find the right support.

As well as providing information through its website at www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com it also holds bereavement help points in Oakham and Uppingham to give drop-in support for those who have experienced loss.

Dying Matters Rutland is also planning a new event at the Rutland Showground on May 6 next year.

Speakers will include solicitors, funeral directors, care providers, hospices and bereavement support.

Advice will range from legal aspects, such as power or attorney and wills, and funerals, through to bereavement support and end of life support at home, in hospitals, care homes and hospices.

Details of the event will be available at www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com from January.