A 21-year-old nursing assistant based at the Women's Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital is up for a prestigious national award.

Senior nursing assistant at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Courtney Hughes has been shortlisted for an RCNi Award for her compassionate care in the Women’s Centre.

Ms Hughes, who started in her role in January 2019, is also recognised for running her Secret Santa 365 charity which she founded when just 12-years-old.

The charity has delivered tens of thousands of individually wrapped presents to vulnerable and ill people across Oxfordshire.

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Ms Hughes, who is up against four other finalists, said: “This has to be one of the greatest honours.

“My great grandmother inspired me to help others, and it was after founding the charity in 2012 that strengthened my choice to work in the NHS.

"I have worked within many dedicated teams, and am very honoured to wave the NHS flag for the trust."

Part of the Royal College of Nursing Group and now in their 32nd year the annual RCNi awards recognise hard-working individuals and teams in the nursing profession.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held at the Park Plaza hotel in Westminster set to take place in July.