Lifesaving Rosie is Bournemouth's ‘unsung hero’ in Tourism Awards

Rosie Wallace of the Marsham Court Hotel received the unsung hero title at this year’s Bournemouth Tourism Awards.

BBC presenter Chris Jarvis, who compered the event, said: “Rosie has worked her socks off for the industry.

“She has an astounding length of service, she also does a lot of work behind the scenes for the town and for the community and more often than not she doesn’t publicise it. She is a true unsung hero.”

Rosie has worked at the 87-room hotel in Russell-Cotes Road since she was a teenager. She took on the role of general manager in 2009, followed by managing director in 2014, due to her mother Jennie Deavin’s ill health.

As well as overseeing the day-to-day running of the hotel and chairing meetings, Rosie is an active member of Bournemouth Accommodation & Hotel Association and sits on Bournemouth Tourism Management Board’s conference and convention sub group.

She received the National Coastal Tourism Academy Customer Service Award in 2014 after she saved the life of one of her guests, Lew Bell, who suffered a heart attack. Rosie gave him life-saving CPR for eight minutes until paramedics arrived.

In March this year, Rosie helped launch Hotel Watch for the Bournemouth area, in conjunction with Dorset Police, and now chairs the steering group. But one of her greatest passions is forging links between the local hospitality industry and education.

The Marsham Court is a key player in HALO (Hospitality And Leisure Opportunities) a scheme which works with hoteliers to encourage more youngsters to follow careers in hospitality.

The hotel also offers work experience and permanent jobs to the long-term unemployed through the South West Regional Assessment Centre and is home to the innovative, new CHI ‘training school’ for young people with learning difficulties.

As a result, the Marsham Court won the coveted Business Engagement with Education award at the Dorset Business Awards 2016.

Marsham Court duty manager Andy Thompson, said: “Rosie is like a whirling dervish, running the hotel, supporting the local hospitality industry and helping young people to get into employment.

“She has also raised thousands of pounds for charity – all while caring for her mum Jennie who has cancer, and being a full-time step-mum to her partner’s son George.

“She’s not one to seek praise but I know she is really touched by this and I can’t think of a more fitting award for her to receive.”