Woman hoping to be nurse after nan's cancer care

Amy Sharkey (left) received her award from group director of education and training Louise Nickell

A woman who vowed to "give back" to the NHS after witnessing the care her grandmother received after a cancer diagnosis, has won a hospital award.

Amy Sharkey, 38, is halfway to becoming a qualified nurse and has been named The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust's (RWT) Apprentice of the Year 2024.

The Wednesfield resident introduced weekend working to support patients after surgery and get them out of hospital more quickly.

Ms Sharkey was inspired to turn to nursing after seeing care given to patients when her 90-year-old grandmother Winnifred Jones, also from Wednesfield, was diagnosed.

She stated: "I struggled when I was younger trying to juggle three jobs and looking after my children.

"I always knew I wanted to be a nurse and when my nan had to have major operations, I knew I wanted to specialise in stoma care."

Ms Sharkey was starting "her dream career" at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital and wanted to provide physical and psychological support not just during weekdays, the trust said.

She added: "This is my passion and I’m living it. I want to provide the care that was given to my nan by the team at RWT."

Group director of education and training Louise Nickell, who presented the award, said Ms Sharkey had developed a role within the colorectal department "as the first apprentice in that team".

She added: "After developing teaching aids to train staff, Amy teaches stoma care to new staff, nurses and doctors, which recognises her skills, knowledge, and experience. Patients love her."

Ms Sharkey also completed a sponsored walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for charity Bowel Cancer UK where she raised nearly £500.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]