Nurse who offers support to cancer carers wins award

Vicky Brady, who works as a cancer support co-ordinator at Weston Park Cancer Support Centre in Broomhill, has been presented with a "Caring for Carers" award from the Sheffield Carers'

Centre.

Prior to joining the centre in 2008, she worked as a staff nurse at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Ms Brady has since been helping people to cope with the challenges of caring for someone with cancer, through a drop-in service and a course focusing on issues such as finances, employment and stress.

The "Caring for Carers" awards are presented annually to those who support carers in Sheffield.

Ms Brady said: "I feel so humbled to have been given this award.

"For me it shows that all the hard work we put in at the centre really does have a positive effect on people's lives.

"The award does not just reflect what I've been doing but also the work of a great team here at the centre. Carers are often the forgotten heroes in the vital work they do.

"Caring for someone with cancer can be an extremely stressful task and the team here has done a terrific job in helping people."

Ms Brady was nominated for the award by Kate Ibbeson, who came to the centre for support when her father was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2009.

"Vicky really appreciates the difficulties faced by carers of people with cancer, as well as the patients themselves, and it was great to find this sort of support", Ms Ibbeson said.

"Throughout the course of my dad's cancer, and subsequently my mum's, it has been great to call in to the centre to see Vicky and have a cup of tea and a chat, or to receive some comforting words when times were tough.

"I am so grateful to Vicky. This award is well deserved and I'm delighted she has been recognised.

"She is just the right person for it."