“When my wife Christina and I moved back to Much Hadham in 2020, we didn’t know quite how much our lives were about to change. We came home to live with Christina’s mother, Polly who was a remarkable woman in her late eighties, with a wicked sense of humour and a lifetime of stories.
Looking after Polly through her final years was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. We were fortunate to have the support of some wonderful care professionals, district nurses, live-in care teams, and the Isabelle Hospice team. Watching their skill, compassion and patience made a lasting impression on me. It was care at its very best: personal, respectful, and full of humanity.
That experience planted a seed. I realised how many families in our area are facing similar challenges. All trying to balance work, family, and the desire to care for someone they love. I wanted to create something that could make that journey a little easier for others.
After a career that’s taken me from ten years in the Royal Navy to running businesses and leading recruitment teams, I knew what great teamwork and people-centred leadership can achieve. When I discovered GoodOaks Homecare, their values instantly resonated with me – professionalism, kindness, and a genuine commitment to empowering care professionals to deliver outstanding care.
Now, together with my colleague Amanda Mudie who is an award-winning care professional and trainer – we’re building GoodOaks Homecare East Herts with the same spirit that guided us through caring for Polly: compassion, respect, and a sense of family. We provide homecare services across East Herts, West Essex and surrounding areas; including Epping, Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, Great Dunmow and other nearby towns.
We believe that with the right support, people can stay in the homes they love, surrounded by familiarity, comfort, and dignity. That’s what exceptional care means to us, and it’s what we’re here to provide every day.
Polly would be laughing at the thought of me running a care company – but I like to think she’d also be proud. In many ways, this is her legacy too.”
To speak to James and his team, you can contact their office HERE.