Kind, passionate, extremely caring, trustworthy, empathetic, compassionate, knowledgeable and an all round fantastic nurse are just a few ways in which I can describe Sophie. We first met Sophie when my baby girl was just a few weeks old in June 2021 (and still yet nameless!) having been transferred from Leeds for what we anticipated to be a fairly quick visit before we could got to go home to enjoy our new bundle of joy. I could instantly tell she was a brilliant and skillful nurse because the passion for her job just oozed out of her, and I knew I could trust her to take care of our precious princess. Little did we know Sophie would play a vital and integral part in my daughter's complex medical journey from then on. Unfortunately, in the next few months, we devastatingly learned our daughter had a rare, degenerative, progressive, terminal, and eventually fatal disease, and so hospital visits became regular.

Sophie has been there every step of the way. She's been there from when we gave our princess a name ( I still remember how excited she was and can still envision her writing her brand new name on the patient board!) to when we were living our worst nightmare when our baby girl was critically ill just a couple of months ago. Every time we are admitted on to the ward, I hope Sophie is on shift to look after my daughter. Whether she was taking care of her or not that day, she never fails to pop in to say hello and see how we are both doing. Not only does she excel at taking care of my baby girl's complex medical needs, but she is also a huge source of strength for me and is always there to reassure me, support us through traumatic times, and answer and explain all my concerns in a way in which I can understand. Her vast range of medical knowledge is evident. She has dedicated so much of her time for me to just let out all my worries and woes, be it at the start of her shift to as late as 3 am in the morning! I always feel so much lighter, like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders when we chat, and I can honestly talk to her for hours on end because she's so sympathetic and understanding and offers the best advice.

As a parent of a terminally ill child with a very poor prognosis, having a nurse who genuinely cares, knows exactly what they are doing, and is there for both child and parents is so important. I cannot thank Sophie enough. Every poorly child needs a nurse like Sophie in their lives! I will forever be grateful and appreciate you more than you will ever know! We don't know what the future holds for our beautiful girl, but whatever happens, you will never be forgotten for the role you have played in her life. Thank you so much for your outstanding care, and your new sister post is so very, very much deserved!