Christine Cripps

I come from Lincoln and had to undergo a major operation on my neck after my voice box was damaged by radiotherapy following cancer of the vocal cords. Because I am from Lincoln, it was impossible for my children to visit, as I do not have any direct family members who can drive.

I explained this to Christine, and she simply replied, “Leave it with me.” Four days later, she came back and asked me what time would be best for my children to visit. I told her a time, never for a moment believing it could actually happen.

I had the best day ever when my children walked onto the ward to visit me. To say I was shocked would be an understatement.

To make things even more special, she noticed that my glasses were broken and falling off my face. Without anyone asking her, she went in on her own time and managed to get me a new pair of ready readers so that I would not feel embarrassed or look silly when my children arrived.

I nominated her for this award because she went far beyond what anyone would normally expect from a nurse. At present, this is the only way I can truly thank her, as simply saying “Thank you” does not feel enough.

She deserves this award for the person she is. Nobody asked her to do what she did—she chose to do it out of kindness and compassion. She is a remarkable nurse who goes above and beyond her duties to care for her patients.