Caroline Winkley who organises our Remembrance Services for families whose relatives have died in our intensive care units, is our latest Star Award winner.
More than 80 people attended the service before Christmas and they lit candles in memory of their loved ones and also took away a pebble. The pebble is specially meaningful as can be carried in a pocket or a handbag at all times as comfort.
Caroline had her own special reason to attend as she remembered the organ donor who saved her daughter Ava's life. Ana had a liver transplant three years ago and has gone on to become a gold medal winner at theTransplant Games. Caroline's son Freddie also gave a reading at the non-religious service at St Paul's Hall in Huddersfield.
She was nominated by two colleagues for all the effort in organising the event which starred Colne Valley Male Voice Choir as one of their singers had been an ICU patient.
She said: "For many people whose relatives die in our ICUs it is quite sudden and traumatic for them. To help them come together with us to remember means a lot to them. One family has come from Scotland for the past two services."
She said it was deliberately non-religious and when the choir starts singing it becomes very emotional. Caroline said: "I couldn't do it without support from my colleagues. I lit a candle for Ava's donor as she's gone from strength to strength." The service starts with readings and anaesthetist Tim Jackson gave one, followed by choir singing, lighting candles and taking pebbles followed by a minutes' silence."
Senior Sister Sue Thompson said “Caroline is a great member of the team who deserves the recognition, she has be at the forefront of the remembrance service which celebrated its 10th service last November. Caroline has worked in the ICU for many years and is truly a well-loved member of the team. Myself and the other nominators are extremely proud that she has won.”
And another nominator Senior Sister, Susan Manning said “Caroline organised a Remembrance Service for families of patients who have died in ICU. This was no mean feat as she had had to beg, bribe and cajole friends, family and work colleagues to help. This involved booking venues, a choir, speakers, refreshments and setting up and clearing up crew. She also had to look back at patients and invite family members. The service took place on Sunday 6th November and was a resounding success".