“Just amazing!” That is how my 13 year old daughter sums up Margo Duffy, the Disability Nurse Sister who looks after her 16 year old sister Ashleigh.

We first met Margo 18 years ago in very difficult circumstances, she was one of the staff in Paul Ward in Royal Belfast Children’s hospital where our son Ryan was diagnosed with a progressive life limiting condition. Over 3 years we made many trips to this ward when Ryan was seriously ill, mainly infections and prolonged seizures, associated with his condition. Margo stood out, her caring and sensitive nature evident and we felt our son was in safe hands, until he passed away in 1994.

About 5 years ago that Margo came back into our lives, as the disability community nurse responsible for our daughter Ashleigh who had been diagnosed with the same condition. Her nursing skills have undoubtably prevented Ashleigh from more frequent admissions to hospital.

It is extremely difficult to put into words what is special about Margo. Not only has she all the qualities you would hope to find in a really good nurse, that is caring, sensitive, proactive, knowledgeable wrapped up with a great a sense of humour. However does not nearly do her justice. Margo has built up a rapport with the whole family, managing to find exactly the right approach in every situation, from including Hannah in Ashleigh’s care to teaching us the new skills we needed as Ashleigh’s condition progressed and has arranged visits outside hours to suit our family circumstances. Ashleigh’s needs both socially and medically are at the centre of Margo’s care, her attitude is always “can do” and not putting obstacles in the way because it may be a little difficult to achieve, thinking outside the box to provide practical solutions.

Margo has built up excellent working relationships with all those involved in Ashleigh’s care, including her consultant, school staff, therapy staff, caring agencies, social worker, and also Positive Futures a volunteer organisation who has provides some social activities for Ashleigh.

This nomination could have been written by any number of families who have benefited from Margo’s special treatment. I have nominated her after a chance meeting with one of these families who have a similar experience and feel as I do she is very special and very rare. Additionally it is fully supported by all who work with her including her staff, therapy staff both community and school, the social worker and the other professionals who work alongside her on a daily basis, all of whom feel that some sort of recognition is long overdue.

Margo is special, this is echoed by all who come in contact with her, but it is difficult to quantify and put into words. However, I am confident that once you meet her you will appreciate these very special and unique qualities and you will like everyone else find that she is ‘just amazing’!