A NURSE said she felt “humbled” to win the prestigious Epilepsy Action award.

Beth Irwin has dedicated 20 years to supporting women with the condition and is one of only two epilepsy specialist midwives in the UK.

Only the 13th recipient of the award, she said: “It is a privilege to help those with epilepsy see they are not alone, that others may have faced similar challenges.

“More important is being that point of contact for someone to speak with if they have questions, or difficulties arise with symptoms or treatment between their hospital consultations.”

“This really is a team award. I am fortunate. Past and present, I have worked with an amazing team of neurologists, nurses, administration staff, allied health professionals and charities.”

Beth runs the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register, which was created to examine the effects of taking epilepsy medication while pregnant.

She added: “I am incredibly proud of the register. I hope we have helped provide information that women can use to make difficult decisions about medication before and during pregnancy.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said it was a “privilege to present the Lord Hastings award to Beth”.

He added: “This is a hugely prestigious and Beth is a very deserving recipient.”

Dr Jim Morrow, a consultant neurologist who worked with Beth at the Belfast Hospital Trust, said: “I can think of no-one in the UK who has contributed more to the health of women with epilepsy in recent years than Beth.”