Catherine tackles challenges to become top children's nurse

A young nurse who overcame personal challenges to achieve her degree has been recognised with a very special award.

Catherine Aldwinckle, aged 22, has received the Joanne Leadbetter Prize, an annual award presented to the most promising, caring, and sympathetic children's nurse on an Edge Hill University course.

Catherine, who lives in Maghull, received the Prize from the University Chancellor, Professor Tanya Byron, at her graduation ceremony.

The Joanne Leadbetter Prize was founded in memory of a promising nursing student at Edge Hill University who died in 1995. Joanne's family donated money to the University to start the award that would commemorate her life and help recognise exemplary work from students during their placements.

Catherine originally started her BSc in Children's Nursing in 2005 but was forced to take a year out in the middle of her course for a major operation. Despite her young age she suffers from arthritis and needed surgery on her knees, but she didn't let this affect her determination to become a nurse.

 "I had lots of support from the University," said Catherine, "and the new cohort of nursing students was brilliant when I came back so they made it very easy for me to slip back into my course.

"I have always wanted to be a nurse. I was a nursery nurse first and there was one child there who needed a lot of hospital care - it was then I realised I wanted to look after sick children and applied to do my degree. I did a lot of research and I knew Edge Hill was one of the best places for nursing. Without a doubt, I made the right decision."

Catherine says receiving the Prize was an unexpected honour.

"I was made up when they told me I had been chosen," added Catherine. "I was really embarrassed at first but now I'm really happy!"

Catherine's tutor Jill Snodin, Senior Lecturer in Children's Nursing and Programme Leader for the BA in Leadership and Management in Children's Services, said: "Catherine overcame quite a few hurdles to continue and succeed on the course and, despite this, always received glowing assessments in practice from mentors. They recognised her cheerfulness, professionalism and outstanding communication abilities with all team members, children and families.

"I feel strongly that Catherine used her own difficulties to enhance her understanding and compassion for those in her care. She is an outstanding practitioner and I am proud to be her personal teacher."