It is with a heart full of both sorrow and immense gratitude that I write this message. I’ve been meaning to do this for some time, following the heartbreaking loss of my mum this year. Though writing this fills my eyes with tears, I feel it’s important to share the impact that one incredible NHS staff member had on our lives during such a difficult time.

Vicky, the Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Loughborough Community Hospital, is truly exceptional. She embodies everything that the NHS stands for — compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. The warmth and care that radiated from her were a source of comfort that words can barely express.

After a traumatic four-week stay at the Royal Infirmary — during which my mum was treated for low sodium levels, sepsis, pneumonia, COVID, and an internal bleed requiring two blood transfusions — she was transferred to Loughborough for rehabilitation. My mum was a fighter, and despite all she went through, she continued to battle on.

From the moment we met Vicky, she was honest, empathetic, and incredibly professional. She gently explained that my mum was very frail, with complex health issues, and that the path ahead could go either way. Sadly, Vicky’s words were true, and my mum passed away two weeks later.

But in those final days, the care Vicky gave was nothing short of extraordinary. She didn’t just treat my mum as a patient — she treated her with dignity, kindness, and humanity. She was there for us at every step and stayed with us until my mum took her last breath.

I am truly thankful to Vicky for the care she provided during the final stages of my mother’s life. She brought comfort, strength, and reassurance during an incredibly painful time. NHS staff like Vicky are rare — they are like gold. Often, they don’t receive the recognition they deserve, but I hope this small gesture helps shine a light on how deeply appreciated she is.