Midwife of the Year nominated by Edge Hill student

As a result of a nomination from Edge Hill nursing student Samantha Cull, Jan Sanders has been named as Midwife of the Year 2008.

The mum-of-two, who had already been selected as the North West regional winner, was unanimously voted the overall champion at a glamorous lunchtime ceremony on Wednesday, 1 October, 2008.

Jan was put forward for the award by 20-year-old Samantha, who wrote a glowing, three- page nomination after Jan delivered her first child, Sadie. After such a positive experience, Sam was inspired to take up a career in nursing and started her training at Edge Hill in September this year.

As well as the title of Midwife of the Year, Jan, from Birkdale, also won £1,000 to spend on herself, as well as a £1,000 donation to both the Southport Midwifery Unit and Linaker Street Children's Centre, Southport, where she works.

The award was presented to Jan by TV personality Saira Khan during a lavish ceremony in Huddersfield, hosted by Mamas and Papas.

Richard Faulkner, Deputy Chief Executive of Mamas & Papas and the originator of the Midwife of the Year Awards spoke of his Company's continued commitment to champion the unsung heroes of the NHS,

"When we started The Midwife of the Year Awards' eleven years ago we did so as we felt in our hearts that this silent service needed to be celebrated for the staggering work they do, even if they feel they are just doing their job. It saddens me to see that the industry is under more pressure today than ever and this is why the awards are more needed now than they were eleven years ago.

"These women and men, the individuals as well as teams, whether they are rural midwives or city midwives, deliver not only a safe service but also deliver the hopes and dreams across the world. Without them many of us would not be here today and what can be more rewarding than saying thank you to these humble, patient and gifted people who are the key to our future."

Samantha Cull attended the ceremony, and watched while Jan was presented with the award. She said: "When Jan's name was announced she just ran over and gave me a big hug and kiss. I was thrilled to see Jan get the recognition she deserves. All of midwives deserved to win, so she did really well."