Cancer nurse wins national award

A Guy’s and St Thomas’ nurse has won a national award for her work with bowel cancer patients.

Colorectal clinical nurse specialist Sarah Thompson received a Gary Logue Colorectal Nurse Award from the charity Beating Bowel Cancer this week after one of her patients nominated her.

The awards were established in memory of Gary Logue, one of the charity’s specialist nurse advisors who sadly died last year. They recognise nurses who make a big difference to the lives of their bowel cancer patients.

Sarah was presented with her award by Gary’s partner, Christian Leon, at the National Colorectal Cancer Nurse Network Conference on Monday (21 September). She also received a £500 bursary towards her professional development.

Sarah says: “I’m very touched that one of my patients took the time to nominate me. It makes it extra special that the award is in memory of Gary Logue, who I knew and who was such a great nurse.”

Sarah was nominated by Garth Taylor from Lee in Lewisham, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011 but responded well to chemotherapy and went on to have a colectomy, a surgical procedure to remove all or part of your colon. He is currently cancer-free.

Garth explains: “Sarah has been brilliant throughout. She has briefed me at every stage of my treatment, helping me to face the future and make sense of good news and bad. You know you can rely on her to tell it like it is.”

In the UK around 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year but, if caught in its early stages, 90% of cases can be treated successfully.

Mark Flanagan, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, says: “Sarah’s dedication to her patients is incredible. She’s a true inspiration for all those who work with cancer patients and she richly deserves this award.”

Mairead Griffin, deputy chief nurse for cancer at Guy's and St Thomas', adds: “Sarah is a very committed and compassionate nurse who has always shown exceptional dedication to her patients and their families. She is thoroughly deserving of this award."