My 13-month-old son was admitted with very worrying symptoms for me. I had never heard of the diagnosis before and was very uninformed about the diagnosis as it worsened and impacted my son's pain levels at the moment. It seemed to be minutes after Shannon began her shift that she peeked around our curtain and asked if I could speak a moment. I was very isolated as my husband was unable to travel to be with us and we do not have a family support network in this location.

Shannon assured me that she was just a ‘button’ away should I need anything. Shannon was on night shift so I was awake for the earlier part of the night as she checked on my son's general observations but also did nappy checks, pain checks, and general wellness checks. As well as this, she insisted on checking on my well-being despite me saying I didn’t need food, drinks, or blankets, she brought all of these things to me.

My son's health declined as the night progressed and Shannon pushed to get further support from Doctors and ultimately Dr. D (who was a gentleman and delivered information on my son's condition in a very ‘human’ way, which I was extremely grateful for). Throughout, Shannon kept asking how I was. Pointing out things my son was interested in and reflecting on her own experiences of what children are interested in as my son was observed. She was kind, thoughtful, and inquisitive about preferences to me (I never expected this. My son was their patient.)

Shannon advised I eat to keep my strength up. She advised I rest where I could. She advised fluids for me when I could to encourage my son to feed from me. Through the night was the worst for my son whilst doctors, surgeons, and consultants visited him. My son needed to be woken regularly for observations and Shannon was just the most kind and empathetic human I have ever encountered. When my son needed meds and was difficult taking them, Shannon didn’t restrain him, she soothed him.

After the consultant left, Shannon asked how I was, how I really was. I said I was okay but might crumple and cry if I allowed myself a moment of caving. She put her hand on my back and said it was okay to take a moment and okay to cry. She did this in such a way that I genuinely felt ok to ‘crumble’. The impact of Shannon’s support, knowledge, and advice just gave me strength as I felt she was pushing for what was best for my son. Shannon gave reasoning for everything she wanted to do with my son with checks, tests, and communication with the consultant and asked my opinion and decision in a way that allowed me to feel autonomy in a horrible situation where you do feel helpless.

Shannon was an emotional, mental, and physical support to our family in quite a worrying time. Shannon’s care and dedication to the role were evident throughout the ward as you heard her interacting with other patients and their families as well as the kind, patient, knowledgeable manner in which she trained Student Nurses. I am so very grateful to the NHS for the treatment my son and I received but primarily grateful for the support and knowledge Shannon imparted to my family.

I am happy for Shannon to know our names and be a part of the presentation if the nomination were to be successful.