Congratulations to all the finalists in this year's Pride of Cumbria awards.
Improvement lead for cancer, Laura Street, dietician Val Coltart and orthoptist Sylvie Booth from NCIC were all nominated in the NHS Worker of the Year awards, organised by Newsquest.
But it was Laura who was crowned the winner of the category at the awards on Wednesday night.
Laura works as the improvement lead for cancer at NCIC and is said to have an unwavering dedication to her role.
She said: It was such an honour to win the award, but I honestly felt a bit undeserving – there are so many incredible people who work for the NHS. I really do love my job and it’s a privilege to be recognised for doing something that makes a difference. My whole team works so hard every day to support patients, so this award really reflects their dedication too.
"The atmosphere was brilliant, and it was so inspiring to be surrounded by such amazing, brave and selfless people from all over Cumbria, not just from the NHS, but from so many different walks of life. Hearing everyone’s stories was really moving, and it just made me feel proud to be part of our community.
"I took my husband Alan with me. It was lovely to share the evening with him and he’s been so supportive, and it was a really special night for us both."
Her nominator said: "Laura has been fundamental to some massive improvements in Cancer care at north Cumbria this year, and she is exceptionally dedicated to ensuring that every patient gets timely, efficient and compassionate care on their cancer journey.
"Laura shows tremendous resilience, courage and compassion to patients and their families, and is unwaveringly dedicate to ensuring that the local population has access to the best cancer care possible."