11 Mar 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Camille Leavold MBE, CEO of St Albans-based Abbots Care, a family-run homecare support business. Camille also serves as a non-executive board member of the Homecare Association and in 2021, she received the inaugural Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care gold award for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I like to take my two border terriers out across the fields in Tyttenhanger.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
I’m an active person, so normally I’ll wake up, grab a coffee, and go to Marchon gym for a workout.
What TV did you watch as a child?
Channels were very limited in the ‘70s! Play School and Blue Peter were my era, so I would watch those.
Are things getting better or worse?
Depends on what we are talking about and over what period. However, I’m an optimist, and my work is driven by this outlook, so I would say better.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I think I probably needed a lot of advice from my older self! Maybe follow your heart, it’ll lead you on the right path (eventually!)
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
I’d go for three amazing women – Jane Austen, Rosa Parks, Michelle Obama.
What superpower would you like to have?
I love travelling, so I’d like to be able to fly!
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
Definitely my dogs!
What was your first job?
I worked in a sweet shop when I was 13, that was my very first job. Then I followed in my mum’s footsteps working in care, and I’ve never looked back! It feels surreal to have now celebrated 30 years of Abbots Care, I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the journey.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
I’d have to say Brad and Dills – their bagels are absolutely delicious!
