A Hucknall nurse has won a national award for her work helping patients with a rare cancer.

Lucia Wardle, aged 23, a sarcoma Macmillan nursing associate at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, was named winner of Sarcoma UK's Clinical Excellence Award at its Shining Star Awards held in London last week.

Lucia established, and leads, a monthly sarcoma support group for patients and their families.

To shape it, she took the initiative to research best practice, speaking to clinical nurse specialist teams at sarcoma centres across the country about how similar groups are structured and delivered.

Lucia Wardle has won a national award for her work caring for patients with Sarcoma. Photo: Submitted

placeholder image — Lucia Wardle has won a national award for her work caring for patients with Sarcoma. Photo: Submitted

She also built links with Sarcoma UK to explore funding for activities and guest speakers. Her dedication and commitment have had a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues.

Lucia said: “There are a hundred clinicians who could stand up and receive this award, many of whom I work with.

"This award isn't for me, it's for the patients, the families and the friends living with and trying to fight sarcoma every day.

"They are the real heroes and they are the real shining stars, and this is for them, thank you.”

Ellis Lill, Sarcoma UK’s support line advisor, said: “Sarcoma is so rare that many people tell us they feel isolated after diagnosis and meeting others who understand can make a real difference.

"Lucia has built a support group that gives patients and families that connection, close to home.

“She took the time to learn from sarcoma centres across the country and to work with us on bringing in guest speakers and activities.

"Everyone at Sarcoma UK congratulates her on this well-deserved award.”

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, inside or outside, including muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues.

"There are about 100 different sub-types.”

Lucia is running next year’s London Marathon in aid of Sarcoma UK.

She is currently holding a festival raffle to help fundraise – visit 2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/lucia-wardle and make a donation.

And on November 28, she and members of the Women’s Fitness Collective (WFC) and Girls Run Club (GRC), who will also be running in London are taking part in Laps For London – a 24-hour community fundraising challenge at the Jamie Brough Pavilion on Kenbrook Road.

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