Nurse up for award after cancer battle

Sharon completed her degree and did not take a single day off in the process

A Peterborough City Hospital nurse, who successfully completed her nursing degree apprenticeship despite battling breast cancer, has been nominated for a national award.

Sharon Maywood is up for a Our Health Heroes award in the Breakthrough Apprentice of the Year category.

Sharon received the devastating news she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, when she was studying to complete a degree apprenticeship course to become a gastroenterology nurse.

Sharon said: “I originalportive. ly worked in accounting for years, but decided to have a complete career change when I turned 40 and become a nurse.”

However, part way through her course in 2018, Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer. Undeterred, she took the brave decision to carry on with her studies, refusing to take a single day off, despite undergoing intensive cancer treatment. Against all the odds, Sharon qualified as a nurse earlier this year with an impressive pass mark of 81 per cent.

Sharon said: “Whilst training I also had a separate personal battle due to an illness in 2018, so I juggled my work with my treatment and the staff around me have been so supA10 are a great team to work with, but my mentors, Tanya and Rachel, really have been fantastic.”

The support Sharon received from Anglia Ruskin University and North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust was crucial to getting her through the toughest of times and her colleagues couldn’t be prouder.

Vanessa Waller, associate professor of nursing at Anglia Ruskin University, who taught Sharon during her degree apprenticeship, said: “Sharon’s dogged determination in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all, not least to the next generation of would-be degree nurse apprentices, who in years to come will look up to Sharon as a role model.”

Jo Bennis, chief nurse for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud of Sharon for everything that she has achieved.

“She has grabbed every opportunity and despite personal illness, has continued to juggle her studies and work and achieve her qualifications. She is a fantastic role model for anyone considering a career in nursing.”

Skills for Health’s Our Health Heroes Awards 2022 celebrates remarkable individuals in our health and social care sector. The breakthrough apprentice of the year category is sponsored by UNISON. To cast your vote for Sharon before 4th February visit: https://bit.ly/3pYRQek

Sharon Maywood