A NURSE who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those with motor neurone disease in York has announced her retirement from a career spanning more than 50 years.

Doreen Foster has become well-known in York for her work with people with motor neurone disease, a progressive condition which damages the nervous system.

Her dedication saw her win a York Press Community Pride Award, for which she was invited to lunch with Queen when she visited York in 2012, and to an event at Buckingham Palace.

Mrs Foster, 68, from Haxby, said that while the time has come for her to retire, she will miss her work.

She said: “I have always wanted to be a nurse and I have absolutely loved it.

“I have had a great deal of satisfaction in helping people with the disease to cope.”

Mrs Foster has had letters from families telling her they will not forget what she did and the expressing the difference it made to their loved one.

At the time of her most recent Community Pride Award nomination, one patient said: “I want to nominate Doreen Foster for the time, dedication and support she has shown me throughout my journey with this undignified, cruel disease. She has been an angel to me.

“I don’t feel alone when Doreen is around, she has reassured me that at the end of my life she will be around. She’s one in a million.”

Mrs Foster started as a cadet nurse in York in 1965, working as a staff nurse at the city hospital and then as a sister at Yearsley Bridge and the City Hospital, before becoming a district nurse.

She worked for York Against Motor Neurone Disease as a specialist nurse for about 20 years, before continuing the role at York Hospital for nearly three years.

Beverley Geary, chief nurse at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Doreen has shown exceptional care to patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and we’re very sorry to see her go. She has gone above and beyond in giving kindness, time and effort. Patients with MND are heavily reliant on support from their specialist nurse. It is a condition which is progressively disabling and patients come up against new problems on a regular basis. With Doreen’s support they have been able to anticipate problems and put measures in place or signpost to prevent crises. We wish Doreen a well-earned, long and happy retirement.”

Mrs Foster has been replaced by Clare Furness.

Speaking about her plans for retirement, Mrs Foster said she plans to spend time with her husband Paul, their three children and five grandchildren as well gardening and enjoying a holiday.