A nurse who treats patients by arranging for them to participate in challenging sports has been commended for his work.

Colin GodfreyColin Godfrey, who works at the Littlemore Health Centre in Oxford, has won the Mental Health Nursing category of the Nursing Standard 2001 Awards, which aim to recognise efforts made to improve patient care.

The award pays tribute to his work setting up an activities programme for patients.

Seeing the benefits and enjoyment patients gained from exercise, he began organising other activities, including mountain biking, football, long-distance walking and badminton for about 200 patients.

Mr Godfrey said: "Rather than being a nurse who is doing something to or for patients, I actually take part in the activities with them.

"Some of the sports we do are very challenging for anybody, without the added problems of mental illness.

"Taking part in that challenge helps to build self-esteem and confidence and enhances patients' abilities to meet the challenges of everyday life, including stigma and isolation."

Mr Godfrrey will receive his award at a dinner in London on October 30.