Helen Wright and Grace Lewis, specialist midwives supporting families at risk of preterm birth at University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) NHS Trust, have been honoured with Cavell Star Awards in recognition of their exceptional care, compassion and dedication to families.
Nominated by Dr Suzi Dunkerton, Consultant in Women’s Services, Helen and Grace were recognised for the extraordinary difference they make to families experiencing one of the most challenging pregnancy journeys — preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), when a baby’s waters break early.
Helen and Grace are known for going above and beyond to ensure families feel supported, informed and cared for every step of the way. Understanding the emotional and physical challenges of PPROM, they developed a dedicated clinic to provide consistent care, closer monitoring and vital emotional support. This service helps families feel safer, reassured, and never alone during an uncertain and often frightening time.
They stay alongside families throughout their journey, whatever the outcome, offering compassion, dignity and kindness at every stage.
The impact of their work is best reflected in the words of the families they support:
“From the moment we walked in for our first scan, to the delivery of our babies and visiting us in NICU — your expertise and support has been invaluable to us.”
“We really couldn’t have gotten through it without your support. No questions went unanswered and we never felt alone.”
“We will be forever grateful that you were part of our journey and helped us bring our miracle baby home.”
“They held us up in our hardest moments. We still talk about them over a year later — they made such an impact on our lives. They are real-life angels.”
As well as supporting families, Helen and Grace are highly valued by colleagues for their positivity, teamwork and encouragement, helping to create a supportive and compassionate culture across the maternity unit.
They were presented with their Cavell Star Awards during a surprise celebration on the antenatal ward at Leicester General Hospital.
“We were both so surprised,” said Helen. “It’s a real privilege to receive this award, especially when we work with such an incredible team and care for such amazing women and families.”
“Our job is incredibly rewarding,” added Grace.
Dr Dunkerton said: “Helen and Grace are exceptional clinicians and truly remarkable people. Their compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to families facing incredibly difficult circumstances is inspirational. They don’t just deliver care, they deliver hope, reassurance and kindness.”
Congratulations, Helen and Grace.
Cavell Star Awards celebrate nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who go above and beyond for patients, families or colleagues. To find out more or nominate someone, visit: https://cavell.org.uk/cavell-star-awards/