Ms Lines, a ventilation nurse specialist at Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospital based in West Sussex, has been honoured with the Best Nurse Award during the 2023 WellChild Awards.

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WellChild, is a national charity for seriously ill children. The charity celebrates and acknowledges the many inspirational qualities of young people and children living with serious illnesses and complex medical needs. They honour and admire the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to ensure these children are kept happy and healthy.

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Hannah, whose role involves training other colleagues in children’s ventilation as well as aiding families, was nominated for the award by the mother of the child she has looked after.

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Laura McLoughlin the mother of Lennon was born with multiple complex needs. Ms Lines ensured she provided the family with support throughout various stages of his illness including when he died.

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Laura described Ms Lines as providing her with “strength” and “light” during the most difficult time of her life.

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Ms McLoughlin, her nominator, said “Hannah is an angel on earth and my son’s life was blessed to have her in it.

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“She made the toughest journey of my life seem like there was always light and someone I trusted standing alongside and fighting for us.”

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Ms Jones, also known as the director of children’s services at Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice, expresses she was extremely proud of Hannah for winning the Best Nurse Award.

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Anna Jones added, "We’re seeing such a high level of clinical complexity at the hospice and, as our ventilation nurse specialist, Hannah has been instrumental in us being able to meet the needs of those children – working hard to skill up the rest of the team and supporting families so that they can access the care and support they need to help them live with a ventilator.”

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During Prince Harry’s speech at the ceremony, he said "I’ve spoken with countless families who have shared such gratitude for the comprehensive, around-the-clock support they’ve received from WellChild’s family network. I’ve been struck by the immense power that comes from connecting families with others who understand and truly see them – and how WellChild has become an emotional support and information lifeline for many during the pandemic and beyond. The fact this network has since grown to more than 3,000 families is nothing short of remarkable.”

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Over four million is needed every year to provide hospice care for children and families. Very little of this comes from the government, the rest comes from donations and volunteering. This hospice along with many others provides a space where kids can feel like kids, parents can just be parents and not carers, and where siblings have people to talk to who understand. With that being said, if you would like to donate to the Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospital please click here https://donate.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/?campaign=nav_button&source=website&medium=digital&_ga=2.63063599.1203460975.1694427986-150924636.1694427985