Student wins Army Reserve nursing award

An inspirational student nurse has been honoured for her passion and commitment at a prestigious awards ceremony.

BSc (Hons) Nursing student Kate Cranston was named winner of the Outstanding QARANC Reservist Student Award, sponsored by the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corp, announced at the Cavell Nurses’ Trust Awards ceremony held in London in May.

The award, one of two new awards for Army Reserve nurses, recognised Kate for her enthusiasm and determination in both her nursing studies and as a QARANC Reserve. As a result, Kate wins a £1,500 prize fund to put towards a travel placement of her choice, enabling her to further develop her skills as a nurse.

Kate, from Durham, said: 'It is so exciting to be the first recipient of this new award.

'Being an army reservist gives me the chance to develop my clinical skills in a challenging but really exciting environment and I look forward to using the prize fund to enhance both my nursing degree and my role as an army reserve.'

Cavell Nurses’ Trust gives money and support to nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and students experiencing financial or personal hardship, often because of illness, domestic abuse, disability, working poverty and older age.

Cavell Nurses’ Trust Chairman Simon Knighton said: 'The Cavell Nurses’ Trust Awards helps us be here for nurses and midwives, either by supporting them when they face hardship or by celebrating the amazing work that they do every day.

'We’d like to thank the generous organisations that sponsored our awards and lent their time and expertise to ensure the awards are a fitting tribute to the passion and commitment of all our finalists.'

Sally Gunnell OBE DL, who was guest speaker at the award ceremony, said: 'It’s a real pleasure to share in the excitement of the Cavell Nurses’ Trust Awards. The world of athletics demands commitment and determination and it’s fantastic to see nurses and midwives are recognised for those values too.'

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