Meet the 2025/2026 DAISY Award winners

Nominated by a patient

I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in my lungs in May 2025 and Simona was a part of the clinical trial team treating me. From day one Simona stood out, she was a wonderful mix of caring, informative and honesty and seemed to be able to read my mind and my mood and use her humour to cheer me up when I needed it and listen and empathise when I was worried or didn’t understand something. In my face to face oncology appointments she seemed to be able to help explain things in ways that I could understand when some of the consultants could not. She questioned things and organised things quickly when she said she would, and told me I could contact her at any time if I needed to. This really reassured me that there was someone that I could speak to who would listen and understand. On three occasions from May to August I was admitted to hospital with fluid on my lungs, feeling very unwell due to general cancer progression and liver problems. On two of those occasions the issues were only picked up due to Simona making a phone call to me to see how I was feeling. If this had not happened I feel that I would have been left over the weekend and ended up in A&E with worsening symptoms.

In July I was told that the immunotherapy treatment that I was on was no longer working and so this and the clinical trial was stopped. Simona assured me that even though I was no longer part of a clinical trial, I could still contact her if I needed anything and she would do what she could to help. On the day I was told, Simona took time to sit with me and my husband and talked to us about the diagnoses and explained a number of things that I had not understood fully from the consultant. Having her there made such a difference to how I felt and it seemed that it was not just a job for her, I felt that she really cared that I understood everything and about how I felt. Since this time Simona has kept in touch and I have contacted her when I have not been able to get hold of other people and Simona has quickly sorted out blood forms, blood tests and scans for me and made a very difficult time in my life much easier to deal with. I would say that Simona is a credit to her profession and a genuinely kind, caring and wonderful person. She has certainly made a difference to me.

Nominated by a patient

I’m so glad I came across the DAISY Award — I wanted to make sure Meriel received the recognition she truly deserves.

From our very first appointment, I knew I would be fully supported throughout my pregnancy. Meriel’s encouragement and understanding, especially around my decision to have a homebirth, made all the difference. I had my fingers and toes crossed that she would be on call when the time came — and I was so lucky she was.

Meriel provided not only expert clinical care, but also made me feel heard, informed, and empowered at every step. Her calm, reassuring presence during my homebirth created a space of safety and confidence — an experience I will forever treasure.  She continued to support us in those early newborn days by checking in, offering thoughtful guidance, and always being a steady, reassuring voice — even when I was asking all those “silly” new-mum questions.

We will always be grateful for the role she played in helping us bring our baby girl into the world. Meriel made such a lasting difference in our lives — and we truly can’t thank her enough.

Nominated by Kinga Gorko, Nurse, Ward 6A

I would like to nominate Sister Susma for the DAISY Award because she is not only an exceptional Team Leader and compassionate nurse, but also an inspiring role model. As a newly qualified nurse currently transitioning into my role as a Registered Nurse, I can wholeheartedly say that Sister Susma is instrumental in making this journey smoother, more empowering, and far less daunting.

Throughout my supernumerary shifts, she has consistently gone above and beyond to support me. Her patience is truly saint-like, and her calm, organised, and efficient approach sets the tone for the entire team. She has a natural gift for teaching — always taking the time to explain things clearly, no matter how busy the shift is. Her professionalism shines through in everything she does, and she embodies the very essence of what it means to be a nurse.

What stands out most is her unwavering willingness to help. Whether it’s junior nurses, newly qualified staff like myself, or our incredible Clinical Support Workers, Sister Susma is always there with a helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement or advice. She creates an environment where no question feels too small or silly, and that psychological safety is invaluable to my growth and confidence.

Even during the most hectic shifts — when I’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure — she has been right there, offering not just practical guidance but emotional support too. She leads with kindness, integrity, and strength, and her dedication to both patients and colleagues is evident in every interaction.  Sister Susma is making a profound impact on my transition from student to staff nurse.  I aspire to be the kind of nurse she is — knowledgeable, skilful, compassionate, and deeply committed to patient care and team wellbeing.  Ward 6A is incredibly lucky to have her. She is, without a doubt, a true asset to our team and a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.

Nominated by Mary Goodin, Consultant Obstetrician and Stacey Malone, Named Midwife for Safeguarding

We would like to nominate Anna Matthews for a DAISY award. She is one of the most amazing midwives we have ever worked with. She is so caring, so hard working, so knowledgeable about her specialism and incredibly dedicated to her high risk and often very complex patients.  We will give just one example of the multiple patients she cares for to highlight how special she is. We will refer to this patient as T. T is well educated and a quietly proud women. For multiple reasons her mental health had slowly suffered but like many women she found it hard to acknowledge this and ask for help. Becoming pregnant made her home life, her mental and physical health significantly harder. It was clear that with all of this she was crumbling. T didn’t trust many people and found it hard to open up about how these things were affecting her.

Anna, in her role as a specialist perinatal mental health midwife, took the time to call her a couple of times a week and became a huge source of support for T. She was one of the very few people T felt she could be honest with about what was going on in her life and how she felt. Anna continued to support her postnatally and T eventually opened up about the domestic abuse she was experiencing. This was a huge step for T in being able to move forward. Because T trusted Anna, she was open to Anna’s suggestions about working with the DSAT team and continuing to work with our community perinatal mental health team. Without Anna we do not think she would have trusted health care professionals in these allied specialties and would remain stuck in her complex situation.

Anna has made the world of difference to T’s ability to manage not only her pregnancy and birth but her ability to trust others to support her with her deepest fears and vulnerabilities.  Please remember this is just one short story of numerous women she supports every week. Anna looks after a lot of patients like this, and many of her colleagues do not see this vital work that she quietly does. We feel both proud and privileged to work alongside Anna every day. It was Anna who inspired, encouraged and supported me in taking on the role as obstetric lead for perinatal mental health and I am so very grateful she did.

Nominated by a patient

From the moment she took over my care, she made me feel listened to, respected, and truly supported. She took the time to understand my birth preferences, actively reminded me of them during labour, and ensured that my wishes were always central to the decisions being made. This made a huge difference to how safe and empowered I felt throughout the experience.

She went above and beyond in the encouragement and reassurance she gave, not only to me but also to my partner, helping us both feel calm, confident, and involved. Her support was continuous, compassionate, and completely person-centred.

When it became necessary, she escalated my care appropriately to the Consultant Led Unit, explaining everything clearly and ensuring the transition was handled smoothly and safely. Because of her professionalism, judgement, and advocacy, my baby girl was born healthy, and I felt cared for and respected every step of the way.

I will always be grateful for the role she played in such an important moment in our lives. She is a true credit to the midwifery team at Lister Hospital and is thoroughly deserving of a DAISY Award.

Nominated by a patient’s partner

Cassie welcomed my wife upon our arrival at the MLU and did not leave our side until our baby girl was born. She was absolutely fantastic at supporting both my wife in labour, and myself as the birth partner (who felt helpless at times!). My wife experienced very frequent and very painful contractions, but on our birth plan, had said she did not want an epidural. However, a few hours in, my wife was screaming out in pain asking for an epidural. Cassie handled the situation incredibly well, getting the balance perfectly between acknowledging what we had on the birth plan and the fact that she was making great progress, but also making sure she was heard and that the epidural was an option any time. As labour progressed, Cassie calmly communicated a few red flags (mainly baby’s heart rate was creeping higher and higher). She led us down to the consultant-led unit – in hindsight I think this could have saved baby’s life. Here, the doctor recommended an emergency C-section. We went with this and had our baby out safely within an hour. Cassie did not leave my wife or me until baby was safely delivered (after a few rescue breaths, during which time we were nervously waiting). After a short stay in the NICU, our baby girl was as healthy as we could have hoped for. Cassie came to visit later on to check on how we were doing, which was incredibly appreciated.

I believe my wife had nominated Cassie for a DAISY too for how well she handled everything with her. I am nominating her separately as I also feel she was amazing at coaching me through the process, as the birth partner, regularly checking in on how I was doing too.

Cassie – thank you so so much. With the complications we had, I honestly could not have wished for a better person to support us through it all. There is nothing I would have changed about how things were handled. Thank you – we will always remember the pivotal role you played in the birth of our daughter.

Nominated by Richard Copiado

I am truly honoured to nominate my colleague, Juvy Lee de Ocampo for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to nursing, her unwavering professionalism, and her outstanding leadership within our team.  From the moment you begin working alongside her, it becomes clear that she embodies what it truly means to be a nurse. She is incredibly assertive in the most positive and constructive way, always advocating strongly for her patients, ensuring their voices are heard, and never hesitating to escalate concerns when patient safety is at stake. Her assertiveness is not forceful, but confident and grounded in knowledge, compassion, and integrity.

In challenging situations, she remains calm, focused, and solution-oriented. Whether coordinating care, supporting junior staff, or collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, she leads with clarity and purpose. Her leadership style is both empowering and inclusive. She guides others not by authority alone, but by example are demonstrating best practice, strong clinical judgement, and ethical decision-making in everything she does.  She has a natural ability to mentor and uplift those around her. Junior nurses feel supported and safe to ask questions because she creates an environment where learning is encouraged and mistakes are treated as opportunities for growth. She provides constructive feedback with kindness and respect, and she is always willing to step in when the workload becomes overwhelming.

Most importantly, her compassion for patients and families shines through in every interaction. She listens attentively, communicates clearly, and treats every individual with dignity and respect. Even during the busiest shifts, she ensures that care remains patient-centred and holistic.  Her professionalism, resilience, and dedication make a significant impact not only on patient outcomes but also on team morale. She inspires confidence, trust, and unity within our workplace. The nursing profession is stronger because of individuals like her.  For her assertive patient advocacy, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing practice, I wholeheartedly believe she is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.

Nominated by Jean Laura Steel, Nurse Team Leader, Critical Care Unit

It is with deep admiration that I nominate Sheila Marohom for this award, a colleague whose dedication and spirit embody the very best of nursing. She is known for her unwavering work ethic, her compassion in the face of demanding workloads, and the warm, genuine smile she brings to every shift. No matter how busy the unit becomes, she consistently places her patients’ welfare at the centre of every decision, ensuring that each person under her care receives safe, dignified, and high‑quality treatment.  Her colleagues describe her as exceptionally considerate—someone who lifts others up, offers support without being asked, and creates an environment where teamwork thrives. She sets a standard of care that inspires those around her, not only through her clinical excellence but through her kindness, humility, and humanity.

What moves us most, however, is her extraordinary strength during one of the most difficult moments of her personal life. Even while her own father is critically ill, she continues to serve as a critical care nurse with steadfast commitment and grace. Despite carrying a heavy emotional burden, she arrives each day with the same warm smile, the same gentle presence, and the same unwavering love for her patients. Her resilience is not only admirable—it is profoundly inspiring.  In every sense, Sheila exemplifies what it means to be a nurse: compassionate, courageous, selfless, and deeply devoted to the people she cares for. Her ability to uphold such high standards of care while navigating personal hardship is a testament to her character and her heart. She is truly deserving of recognition, and we are honoured to put her forward for this award.

Nominated by a patient’s granddaughter

I would like to nominate this extraordinary nurse, Mona, for a DAISY Award in recognition of the outstanding care she provided over the eight weeks she looked after my grandad, including during his end-of-life care.  From the very beginning, she was attentive, kind, and deeply compassionate. She consistently went above and beyond her job role to ensure grandad was comfortable, dignified, and treated with genuine respect. She anticipated his needs before we even had to ask and handled every situation with calm professionalism and heartfelt empathy.

During such a difficult and emotional time, she not only cared for grandad but also for our entire family. She kept us regularly updated and explained things clearly. She offered us hot drinks and brought extra chairs so we could sit comfortably together and could simply be present as a family. These may seem like small gestures, but to us they meant everything.

She became a friendly, familiar face during a time filled with uncertainty and fear. Her emotional support, gentle reassurance, and steady presence brought us comfort we will never forget. In the final days of grandads life she showed profound compassion and ensured he was peaceful and dignified.

We will always be grateful for the care she provided. She truly embodies what nursing is meant to be — skilled, compassionate, and deeply human. She is more than deserving of this recognition.

Nominated by a patient

Pregnancy loss is a parent’s worst fear and unfortunately our family experienced this at 14 weeks pregnant on 24 December 2025. It was a traumatic experience that we are still working through, but the pain was eased and made bearable because of Tamsin Cobbett’s selfless actions and compassionate and caring nature.

We were referred to EPU on 23 December due to waters breaking, and we had no choice but to terminate the pregnancy. We are so grateful that Tamsin was there to take care of us and support us as part of this difficult journey – she showed such compassion and understanding at all times. She arranged a private room where we could come to terms with our loss, clearly explained the options, arranged all tests and follow ups with consultants. A side room was also arranged for our hospital stay so that we could stay together throughout the medically assisted termination. That meant so much to us and it gave us a chance to be together at such a traumatic time, but also gave us treasured time with our darling baby boy.

It was time that we could grieve together, and it might not have been possible without Tamsin. Whilst the consultants originally explained that a follow up scan would be undertaken to make sure all pregnancy tissue was delivered, a second consultant did not feel this was necessary and we were discharged on 28 December.

We know that Tamsin checked in on how things were going after we were admitted to hospital, and she wasn’t obligated to do this. Unfortunately I had to come back into EPU with continued bleeding into the end of January 2026. Tamsin was on shift luckily, and saw us and took care of us once again. A follow up scan was arranged which showed retained pregnancy tissue that needed to be removed.

Once again, Tamsin looked after us and we decided on a surgical procedure, which she then arranged the same week to give me a chance to recover in time for our little boys funeral the week after.

Like an angel, Tamsin was there when I entered EPU once again for my surgery and was by my side when I went through the surgical procedure. She held my hand and reassured me every step of the way – I’m pretty sure I hurt her hand with all the squeezing I was doing, particularly as I did the procedure without pain relief assistance and the surgeon needed several attempts to remove all of the pregnancy tissue. Tamsin gave such great care after the surgery and helped me to recover afterwards, and arranged for a referral to a baby loss charity, which has been invaluable in itself as part of our healing process.

I’ve had follow up visits to EPU since my surgery, and Tamsin was there once again to help me through it. She really is special, and has been our guardian angel throughout. We are so grateful to Tamsin for everything she has done for us, and the care that she gave, which helped to ease our suffering. She’s a treasure of a human being and a nurse, and we’ll never forget her and what she has done for us. Thank you so much Tamsin.

Nominated by a patient

I’d like to nominate Lauren as she was our midwife who delivered our baby girl. I’d like to give a massive thank you as I honestly think I couldn’t have got through it without her and my experience would’ve been completely different.

After already being very anxious and emotional to get induced the first thing Lauren did was comfort me and assure me everything will be okay. I had so many questions and nothing was too much trouble, in the end it was such a relaxing environment and was just like talking to a friend, she was one of the loveliest midwives we have had.

My baby decided to be born just before Lauren’s shift was ending and luckily she got to deliver our daughter before her shift ended. My baby needed some oxygen which was very worrying but whilst all of that was going on Lauren ensured that I was looked after/sorted out which calmed my nerves massively.

So a massive thank you for being such a lovely caring midwife and you certainly won’t be forgotten, we will always be grateful.

Nominated by Kinga Gorko, Nurse, Ward 6A

Some nurses’ complete tasks, and some change people. Sister Adeline is the latter. She is the kind of nurse whose presence steadies a room, whose leadership lifts others, and whose compassion quietly transforms the people lucky enough to work beside her. Across three very different shifts — each chaotic in its own way — she showed me what true nursing looks like: not just skill, but heart, integrity, and unwavering humanity. She represents everything the blue uniform stands for.

A few months ago, I was freshly out of nursing school, newly pinned, and still finding my feet. I couldn’t give IV medications yet, had no experience with cannulation or venepuncture, and every shift felt like a mountain I wasn’t sure I could climb. I felt like an imposter in my uniform, terrified of being a burden. That shift started with familiar chaos, busy, unpredictable — the kind that keeps you on your toes and reminds you, ‘yup, you’re definitely a nurse now’. That day, Sister Ade wasn’t feeling well and had almost lost her voice, yet she still stepped up. She supported me, cared for her patients, helped me care for mine, and guided me through every task I struggled with. She answered every question with patience and never once made me feel like a burden. Her calm, integrity, and quiet strength made me feel safe amid the chaos.

The next day, despite still being unwell, she returned for another 12‑hour shift with a smile, ready to support her colleagues and care for her patients. Watching her work through discomfort with such grace showed me what true dedication looks like — not self‑sacrifice, but genuine commitment to her team and her patients. In those two days, she showed me what being a nurse truly means: compassion, courage, and leadership, even when no one is watching.

Weeks later, I worked another shift with Sister Ade that showed me yet again the depth of her leadership. She was scheduled only for an early shift as a supervisor, and I was meant to work a long day with another nurse. But a few hours in, that nurse became very unwell and had to go home.  Without hesitation, without complaint, and without a moment of doubt, Sister Ade stepped in. She extended her hours, picked up everything that was left behind, and supported me through the rest of the shift. It was last‑minute, unexpected, and demanding — and she handled it with the same grace, humour, and steadiness she always brings. I don’t know many nurses who would do that on such short notice. She did it because she cares, because she leads by example, and because she understands what teamwork truly means. She embodies the professionalism and quiet strength that the blue uniform represents.

The most recent shift was a night shift I was scheduled to work with another newly qualified nurse. We are both still fairly new, and although in nursing months feel like years of learning, it is still frightening to face a night shift without a Senior Nurse — no one with years of experience to guide us through emergencies with calm and confidence.  The shift began in chaos. One patient sadly passed away. Another needed a syringe driver started. Another was awaiting a blood transfusion. All of it fell to the night shift because so much had happened just before handover. Neither of us had enough experience to confidently set up a syringe driver.  And once again, Sister Ade stepped up.  She stayed till late— long after her shift had ended — to support us. She helped set up the syringe driver, inserted the subcutaneous needle, prepared the medication, and made sure everything was safe and correct. No questions. No frustration. No complaints. She simply did what needed to be done because she knew we needed her.

That moment showed me the kind of nurse I want to become. Not just skilled, but kind. Not just knowledgeable, but generous. Not just experienced, but willing to lift others quietly, without expecting praise. She is the kind of nurse who honours the blue uniform with every action — through dignity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Across all three shifts — each different, each demanding — one thing remained constant: Sister Ade’s heart. Her compassion. Her leadership. Her willingness to step in, step up, and stand beside her colleagues. She does all of this quietly. She never expects recognition. She never seeks praise. She leads with both her head and her heart, and she is an asset to our ward in every possible way.

She is the kind of nurse who reminds you why nursing is a calling, not just a job. She represents the very best of our profession.  I hope to have many more shifts with her, no matter how busy they are, because when you have a leader like her, you can handle anything and everything. She deserves this award not only for what she does, but for who she is.

Nominated by a patient’s mother

I am deeply honoured, with immense gratitude and heartfelt emotion, to nominate Staff Nurse Shaz for a DAISY Award. Words feel almost insufficient to capture the profound impact she had while caring for our very unwell child on the ward, yet it is so important that her extraordinary compassion, strength, and dedication is recognized and celebrated.

From the very beginning of this incredibly difficult journey, Nurse Shaz stood out as a beacon of light in what felt like an overwhelmingly dark and uncertain time. The ward can often be an intimidating and emotionally charged environment, especially when a child is critically unwell. Fear, exhaustion, and helplessness can take over in ways that are hard to describe. But from the moment Nurse Shaz became involved in our child’s care, something shifted. Her presence brought not only clinical expertise, but a sense of calm, safety, and quiet reassurance that wrapped itself around our child and the family like a protective shield.

What makes Nurse Shaz truly exceptional is her ability to seamlessly combine outstanding clinical skills with deep, genuine humanity. She demonstrated a level of attentiveness and vigilance that ensured our child received the highest standard of care at all times. Every observation, every intervention, every detail was handled with precision and professionalism. Yet despite the demands and pressures of the ward, she never allowed the clinical side of care to overshadow the emotional and human needs of those she was caring for.

She treated our child not just as a patient, but as a whole person—someone deserving of dignity, gentleness, and kindness in every single interaction. Even during the most critical and distressing moments, she spoke softly and reassuringly, offering comfort through her voice and presence. Even when the child was unable to respond, Nurse Shaz continued to speak to them with warmth and respect, demonstrating a level of compassion that went far beyond expectation.

Equally powerful was the way she supported our family. In times of fear and uncertainty, families often feel lost, overwhelmed, and desperate for reassurance. Nurse Shaz instinctively understood this. She never rushed conversations, never dismissed concerns, and never made us feel like we were anything less than a priority. Instead, she took the time to explain every procedure, every change, and every plan with patience and clarity. She ensured we felt informed, involved, and empowered, even in the most challenging circumstances.  There were moments when emotions ran high, when fear felt all-consuming, and when it seemed impossible to find strength. In those moments, Nurse Shaz became that strength. Whether it was offering a few comforting words, a gentle touch, or simply standing quietly beside us, she provided a level of emotional support that cannot be taught—it comes from a truly compassionate heart.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Nurse Shaz’s care was her ability to anticipate needs before they were even spoken. She noticed the smallest details—the subtle signs of discomfort, the unspoken worries, the moments when reassurance was needed most. She acted on these instincts with kindness and efficiency, always putting my child and our family at the centre of everything she did. This level of awareness and empathy transformed the experience of care into something deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.  Despite the pressures of a busy ward, Nurse Shaz never appeared hurried or overwhelmed. She carried herself with a quiet strength and composure that inspired confidence and trust. Her calm demeanour in high-pressure situations was nothing short of remarkable. It reassured not only our family, but also those around her, that our child was in the safest possible hands.

Her kindness was not limited to one or two moments—it was constant, unwavering, and deeply genuine. She went above and beyond in ways both big and small, always striving to make an unbearable situation just a little bit easier to endure. She brought humanity into clinical care, reminding everyone around her that nursing is as much about compassion as it is about treatment.

Because of Nurse Shaz, what could have been an experience defined solely by fear and distress became one that was also marked by compassion, dignity, and connection. She ensured that our child was cared for with gentleness and respect, and that the family never felt alone in their journey. Her presence turned moments of despair into moments of comfort, and uncertainty into reassurance.  It is impossible to fully articulate the depth of gratitude felt for everything she did. Her care has left a lasting impression that will never be forgotten. She did not simply do her job—she gave a part of herself to every moment, every interaction, and every act of care.

Nurse Shaz is the very embodiment of what the DAISY Award represents. She exemplifies clinical excellence, emotional intelligence, and the true spirit of nursing. She reminds us all that even in the most difficult and heartbreaking situations, compassion, kindness, and human connection have the power to make an extraordinary difference.  For her unwavering dedication, her exceptional skill, her boundless compassion, and the profound impact she has had on the life of our child and the family, I wholeheartedly and proudly nominate Staff Nurse Shaz for this richly deserved recognition. She is not only an outstanding nurse—she is an inspiration, a source of comfort, and a true guardian of those in her care.  Thank you.