Prince Harry honours 'guardian angel' nurse

Rhian Greenslade talking to Prince Harry at awards ceremonyImage source, WellChild Awards
Image caption,

Rhian Greenslade spent time with WellChild Patron Prince Harry at the awards ceremony

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A specialist children's nurse has been described as a "guardian angel" and a "rock".

Rhian Greenslade, from Cardiff, has worked with seriously ill children for more than 15 years, and plays a key role in helping children with complex medical needs transition from hospital to home.

Based at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff, she provides support to families across six health board areas in Wales.

Ms Greenslade was named as a winner in the 2024 WellChild Awards, external on Monday night at a ceremony where she met the charity's patron Prince Harry.

Image source, WellChild Awards
Image caption,

Ms Greenslade is one of the longest-serving WellChild nurses

Ms Greenslade, one of the longest-serving WellChild nurses, has supported campaigns and fundraising activities for the charity which wants children with complex medical needs to be able to thrive at home.

More than 100,000 children and young people in the UK are living with serious health needs and many spend months or years in hospital because there is no support enabling them to leave, according to WellChild.

"Nothing runs as smoothly without Rhian, which is a credit to her and to WellChild," said Laura Truscott-Wright, WellChild parent trainer nurse at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, who nominated her for the award.

"She works tirelessly, and always with a smile on her face and a kind word, to ensure families can take their children with complex needs home."

The Duke of Sussex spent time with Ms Greenslade and other award winners at the ceremony in London, and also paid tribute to the "superhero parents, carers, siblings and professionals who work tirelessly and selflessly to ensure these young people have the best lives possible".