I had a bilateral mastectomy in St James Hospital. I am currently recovering from stage two of reconstructive surgery and am reflecting on my journey to date.

During my time in the hospital recovering from surgery, I had the most wonderful student nurse care for me, and I want to bring her to your attention. She was exceptional at her job, she outshone any of the other staff in the hospital, and she holds a lasting place in my heart for her kindness and the care she showed me. I think it is of great importance that people who go above and beyond get the recognition they deserve.

Student nurse Nic Fhinn not only looked after me with absolute skill, knowledge, and professionalism, but she also showed so much kindness and empathy to the other patients and me. There was one day in particular when it all got a bit too much for me, and she spent time with me chatting and cheering me up. I cannot tell you the difference this made to my recovery and my mental health.

Please pass my gratitude on to nurse Nic Fhinn, there are many talented medical professionals working in our hospitals, and I have been in many different hospitals over the years, but I have yet to come across one that stands out like Nurse Nic Fhinn.

I hope she has a hugely successful career and gets to shine her amazing light on many other lucky patients throughout the years.