30th June 2026 |
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The ABPN is delighted for YOU to join us on 30th June 2026 to celebrate
National Children's Nurses Day
This special event will bring together children's nursing professionals from across the community to recognise and honour the vital role they play in delivering compassionate, specialist nursing care to babies, children, young people and their families.
The skills of children’s nurses should be cherished, protected and celebrated. Their
knowledge, skills and experience impact on children, young people and their families every day - we should be proud of the hard work and devotion it takes to be a children’s nurse, and the impact they have.
Nathan Askew- Chair, Association of Chief Children’s Nurses (ACCN)
On National Children’s Nurses Day, the Strategic Paediatric Educationalists & Nursing Leaders Scotland (SPENS) Group, - Scotland's senior children’s nursing group - is proud to celebrate the vital contribution of children’s nurses across Scotland. Paediatric nurses hold unique and diverse specialist roles in Scotland- supporting infants, children and young people, and their families, in hospitals, family homes, hospices and schools, and across every part of the health and care journey.
Strategic Paediatric Educationalists & Nursing Leaders Scotland (SPENS) Group
Who’s YOUR children’s nurse hero? — the one who inspired you, shaped
your journey, or showed you what amazing care looks like?
The Association of British Paediatric Nurses is celebrating children's nurses
during 2026 and is seeking names and photographs of the children's nurse
that inspired you We look forward to hearing from you
SHARE YOUR HERO by downloading and completing the nomination form below
| Nomination Word Document |
| Nomination Word Document WELSH |
Nominated Heroes
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Miss Dilys Jones
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Jacqui ScraceNominated by Jessica LesterJacqui is one of the most passionate advocates for children and embodies compassionate leadership. One of her previous colleagues describes her as a 'Children's Nurse through her core', which is absolutely true. Jacqui is also an incredibly intelligent and inspirational mentor and advocate. Always friendly, warm, caring, approachable and generous with offering her time and support to anyone she links in with. She is an incredible woman, leader, gentle and articulate lioness, and ultimately through and through Paediatric, Community and Queens Institute Community Nurse! I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside her.
Jacqi Scrace is Assistant Director of Nursing for Children and Young People. NHS England, South West |
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Beth Shirt
Nominated by Jessica LesterBeth inspires everyone she meets with her calm, kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, professional, empathetic and efficient leadership styles. She is an incredible nurse promoting high quality care delivered with impeccable professional boundaries, a passionate children’s advocate and staff advocate, and all the while is incredibly approachable and kind. She is a phenomenally positive role model to the nursing profession and is liked and respected by everyone she works with and links in with.
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Deborah Law
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Harriet Jones
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Sue BurrFormer RCN Adviser in Paediatric NursingNominated by the late Anne SideyAnne remembered her children’s nursing colleagues fondly and held Sue Burr in high regard.
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Libby BaldwinNominated by Teresa TannerI first met Libby on my paed placement as part of my general training in 1984. There was just something, she oozed calm but was also fun with the children. I knew then that one day I wanted to be like Libby.
I never thought that I’d actually get to work with Libby once I had qualified She was an amazing nurse – now retired. |
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Fiona SmithNominated by Ellie ForbesHaving first met Fiona in early 2004 when she was the RCN Adviser for Children and Young people’s Nursing, I was inspired by her passion and dedication to all aspects of babies, children and young people’s Nursing. Fiona’s leadership and attention to details were tangible then, and have continued throughout the time I have known her. Fiona is an exceptional role model. Not only that, Fiona has a gift for making people welcomed and valued, no matter what stage they are at in their career; she listens fully, and takes ideas, whilst ensuring that progress is made. Fiona has been a guiding mentor and advisor throughout the twenty-five plus years that I have known her. Her commitment and drive to have the voice of the child, young people and children’s nurses heard at every opportunity is second to none, and for that, Fiona encapsulates the Children’s Nurse hero.
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The late Alexander JewersNominated by Professor Kate KnightAs a little girl, I was allowed to give “milk down a tummy tube to a very special little boy who needed extra care” – this little boy was Alexander, just a few years younger than me and this experience was when I was 7 years old. From that time, I wanted to help children like Alexander. Alexander, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, requiring gastrostomy feeds and 24/7 care, has been my inspiration to not only be a children’s nurse, but to be a youth work volunteer, gave me a clear topic for my PhD (Factors affecting physically disabled children and young people out-of-school lives) and many other decisions in my career.
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Professor Joanna SmithNominated by Michaela BarnardProfessor Joanna Smith. When I first met Jo, she was a lecturing colleague with much more experience than me in teaching and research. She informally mentored me to develop a conference abstract and to pursue my passion for neonatal palliative care. She eventually mentored me more formally as a PhD supervisor until I completed my doctorate. I know Jo has undertaken this role for many other nurses.
Jo is a humble, unassuming but highly knowledgeable and competent children’s nurse and researcher. She is pragmatic and generous with her knowledge, eager to nurture less experienced nurses interested in research. |
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Marcelle de Sousa MBE, FRCNNominated by Lorraine TinkerMarcelle de Sousa has spent her nursing career working with children and young people. She was one of the first global majority student nurses to embark on children’s nurse training at Great Ormond Street Hospital coming from Sri Lanka to train over 50 years ago. She specialised in children's renal nursing helping to set up the first children’s dialysis unit in the country at Guy’s Hospital, London. She was passionate about renal nursing Marcelle described how the nurse’s role in the children’s renal unit was autonomous. “If every nurse had the opportunity to work in a renal unit, I tell you, it is the making of them, you feel pride in what you do, and it is one place that you are autonomous.”
Later at University College Hospital London Marcelle was one of the first clinical nurse specialist for adolescents in the UK she pioneered and raised awareness for the care of adolescents and young people, nationally and internationally and chaired the RCN CYP adolescent forum. Marcelle firmly placed adolescent nursing, and the needs of adolescents on the nursing map, very eloquently representing children's nursing at all levels both locally and as a guest lecturer at conferences all over the world. Marcelle has the key leadership and influencing skills of getting people on board with ideas, and taking her peers and colleagues with her, developing networks and selflessly sharing. Marcelle has never been one who is afraid to speak out and advocate for young people and support her colleagues. Her political astuteness has led her to influence and negotiate for children at all levels and has led campaigns for children that have promoted debate in the House of Lords. To assist her advocacy for children and young people, she studied for an MA in Child Law. Marcelle always championed for vulnerable and marginalised groups and promoted their cause. Projects she has been involved with have covered issues such as asylum and refugee children's health needs (her work on parent-held records was adopted by the Department of Health), Gypsy and Traveller children's health needs, children with disabilities, obesity, mental health and child protection and safeguarding. Professional Always willing to share her knowledge, encourage others and involve more junior staff in learning from her as an exemplary role model, Marcelle was a honorary lecturer, teaching nurses on the adolescent modules and other courses at London South bank University. She represented children and young people’s nursing at Royal College of Nursing forums, chairing the adolescent forum and she on the RCN's London board. Marcelle was invited to be part of the Darzi taskforce group for children, she also represented children's nursing on the workforce confederation for north central London, and chaired the children and young people's group for the London Network for Nurses and Midwives. She has also contributed to films and publications about the history of children’s renal nursing. Inspirational excellence Marcelle has endless energy and infectious enthusiasm. An inspirational nurse and role model to so many staff, she has touched the lives of the children and families, supporting them through illness, recovery and death. She received an MBE for her services to children and young people in 2009, in 2011 she was awarded the Nursing Times Chief Nursing Officers’ Lifetime Achievement Award for her services to CYP nursing. In 2012 she was awarded an honorary fellowship from London South Bank University for her services to Children and Young People’s Nursing and in 2014 was bestowed as a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing. Marcelle was also active as a Trustee with Action for Sick Children and since retirement she has been a Trustee and board member of Kidney Care UK as well as volunteering in a women’s refuge supporting women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse. Marcelle is a non executive trustee of Portsmouth Cathedral and was installed as a member of the Chapter in 2025. Marcelle has always lead and influenced other nurses, like myself to get involved nationally and to take up the challenge and champion children's nursing. |
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Yvonne JohnNominated by Geeta GopalI joined Yvonne John’s ward in 1999 and had the privilege of working alongside her for 23 years. Throughout that time, Yvonne has been an incredible inspiration to me, and I am now a ward manager because of her guidance, support, and constant reassurance that I was capable and doing well.
Yvonne has always been a calm, compassionate, and honest leader who consistently provided constructive feedback to help others develop and grow professionally. Her extensive knowledge and experience in caring for patients with sickle cell disease was exceptional, and she was always willing to step in and support the team whenever needed. This made her not only an outstanding manager, but also a truly respected leader. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yvonne volunteered to work in ITU and care for adult patients. During this incredibly challenging period, she encouraged me to step up and take on a managerial role, offering unwavering support and guidance throughout. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to navigate one of the most difficult times in healthcare. Over the years, I have also faced several personal health challenges, and Yvonne supported me in every way she could. When I suffered a pulmonary embolism and was admitted to HDU while my parents were abroad, she visited me every day to check on me and reassure me that I would recover. Her kindness and compassion during that time meant more to me than words can express. As a team, we faced many difficult situations, including the heartbreaking loss of children and managing extremely challenging patients and families. Yvonne guided us through these times with remarkable strength, compassion, and support, ensuring we also had access to psychological support when we needed it. Yvonne was also an active member of the children’s hospital wellbeing team and played a huge role in bringing wellbeing initiatives to the ward. She introduced appreciation boards, gratitude activities, and the “You’ve Been Mugged” initiative, all of which helped boost morale and brought the team together. These are just some of the many qualities that make Yvonne such an exceptional manager and an inspiring role model. She has shaped not only my career but also the kind of leader I strive to be today. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. |
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Neil FletcherNominated by Jessica SemedoEverything I know about my work, I have learned from my manager. He is the strongest advocate for young people I have ever known, and the most humane and selfless person in this role/ Learning from him has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life.
Through his example, I have learned not only how to support young people, but how to do so with compassion, dignity, and integrity. He is consistently present with guidance, supervision, and expertise, yet he also trusts you enough to give space, to explore, to take responsibility, and to grow independently. |
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Tricia May-ParrottNominated by Dr Fiona MendesI am proud to nominate Tricia May-Parrott as a children’s nursing hero for her visionary leadership in developing the Family Liaison Nurse (FLN) role at Whipps Cross University Hospital. Tricia has redefined what it means to provide integrated paediatric care, acting as a tireless system bridge between the Paediatric Emergency Department (ED) and the community.
Tricia is a hero because she looks beyond the immediate clinical presentation to see the child and family as a whole. Since November 2023, she has personally reviewed the cases of over 428 children who frequently attended the ED, conducting deep dive reviews to identify unmet social and medical needs. Tricia’s interventions have directly led to an incredible 83% reduction in repeat ED attendances among engaged families, ensuring children receive the right care in the right place. What makes Tricia truly exceptional is her advocacy for the most vulnerable. Tricia has identified life-saving safeguarding gaps, including previously unshared concerns regarding Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), and has personally facilitated over 242 referrals to essential services like health visitors, housing support, and asthma specialists. Her work is not just about data; it is about human connection. Parents consistently describe her as "lovely" and credit her with putting their "minds at ease". Tricia’s journey from a pilot project to a sustainable model that is now being scaled across the Trust shows the power of one nurse to inspire systemic change. She is a true hero whose work ensures healthier trajectories for the next generation |
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Kelly Jones,
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Helen MorrisNominated byHelen has worked tirelessly in paediatric cancer services for many years, moving from ward nurse to Matron and now regional lead. She demonstrates expert leadership, with a solution focussed approach that still allows space for compassion and inclusion. Helen and I have worked together now for 4 years, and as a colleagues she is supportive and like all great nurses, keeps me to task! Helen has continued to strive for improvement throughout her career, acknowledged in her national roles as CTYA Cancer CRG Nurse Lead and more recently her appointment as a Trustee for Young Lives vs Cancer. She is an exemplary nurse!
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The late Dame Elizabeth Fradd
Nominated by Fiona SmithLiz is well known to children’s nurses and a long-standing member of the Association of British Paediatric Nurses. Throughout her career she supported and inspired many children’s nurses from her time managing children’s services in Nottingham, always advocating for improvements in the standards of services for children and young people – and lobbying for child specific diploma and degree level education programmes to prepare future generations of nurses to meet the needs of babies, children and young people
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