Nurse Doreen Foster put forward for health service hero award (From York Press)

Nurse Doreen Foster put forward for health service hero award

7:55am Wednesday 4th April 2012 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

A NURSE who works tirelessly to improve the lives of those with motor neurone disease has been nominated for a Community Pride Award by one of her patients.

It is the second time Doreen Foster has been nominated for the health service hero award – last year she won the title for her dedication to supporting people with the condition, and their families, despite being treated for cancer.

This year Mrs Foster, who works as the specialist nurse for the charity York Against Motor Neurone Disease, has been nominated by her patient June Coundon, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease – a progressive condition which damages the nervous system – in February 2010.

Ms Coundon, 53, of New Earswick, said: “I am a victim of motor neurone disease, which is terminal, so I’m not sure how long I have left. 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.

“She is so empathic and she understands everything. She gives me inspiration to carry on. It has made a massive difference to me. Without Doreen I would not be here.

“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.”

Last month, Mick Waudby, the husband of the late paramedic, Sally Waudby, also spoke movingly of how Mrs Foster and York Against Motor Neurone Disease worked to support his wife and their family in the months until she passed away.

Mrs Foster, of Haxby, said she was touched and surprised to receive a second nomination. She said: “I know there are many other people out there who do fantastic work.

“I love my job and I have got a lot of empathy with people. I try to make living with motor neurone disease a little more bearable and to take some of the pressure off relatives.”

After winning last year’s award, Mrs Foster has been invited to attend lunch with the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice at the Mansion House on Thursday and has also been invited to an event at Buckingham Palace next month.

The Press Community Pride Awards, which will have a York 800 theme this year, are run in partnership with City of York Council and sponsored by Benenden Healthcare.