A staff nurse and former Sister in ITU at the West Cumberland Hospital has won the title of NHS Worker of the Year.
Debbie Nicholson won the category in the Pride of Cumbria Awards, organised by Newsquest.
The virtual awards took place on 29 July when Debbie was on holiday in Tenerife.
The awards highlighted everyone who has made a difference, from keyworkers, NHS staff, volunteers, charity organisations, friendly neighbours to social and care workers in a year like no other.
Debbie, 60, said: “I was on holiday but I joined virtually. My cousin officially represented me.
“I was really surprised to be nominated. I don’t know who nominated me but it was lovely to be awarded that title and quite a shock.”
Debbie has been a nurse and Sister for more than 30 years and was due to retire in January.
She said: “I was due to retire but I couldn’t leave in the midst of a pandemic and with all that was going on so I came back as a staff nurse to help.
“The pandemic has been by far the most difficult period in my career. I was working on the day of the Derrick Bird shootings in West Cumbria which was very difficult but the pandemic has been hard, not just for me, but for all of my colleagues too.”
A spokeswoman for Newsquest Cumbria said: “Every single person who works in and with the NHS are absolute heroes and we cannot express enough thanks. Debbie Nicholson, you're our NHS Worker of the Year.
“It truly has been our everyday heroes who have helped keep the community spirit strong and helped people through the coronavirus pandemic.”