DR Kershaw’s very own ‘Magnificent Seven’ had a night to remember as they headed to London to represent the hospice at the prestigious Nursing Times awards.

A "thrilled" Hospice at Home team were short-listed in the Community awards category at the event which is a stunning celebration of nursing and the nursing profession.

Although they didn't emerge as winners the short-listing itself alongside large-scale health professionals was an incredible achievement and the staff enjoyed a much-deserved evening out at the glittering ceremony at The Grosvenor Hotel which was hosted by BBC presenter, Gethin Jones

The hospice team - which included chief executive Joanne Sloan, community services lead Lindsey Harper, sisters Sue Baynham and Sue Stretton, staff nurse Angela Hickson, and HCAs Brenda Harston and Kath Crossley - were given a rousing send-off from Turf Lane by staff and patients.

“To be part of such an impressive event was amazing,” said Joanne.

“There were 1,200 people at 119 tables and it really gave us a sense of achievement to realise the hospice had been honoured in such a big way.”

“Of course we would have liked to have won the category but that does not diminish the achievement of a small hospice making the finalist list alongside multi-site hospital trusts,” added Joanne.

The team had an extra reason to celebrate at midnight when they toasted birthday girl Sister Sue Baynham producing a cake complete with lit candles on the journey home.

Sue said: “It was just so much fun from beginning to end and we were all so proud to represent the Hospice. We would love to do it all over again next year.”

Colleague Pauline Brierley was waiting to collect the entourage in the hospice mini-bus when they arrived back in Manchester so, proving yet again the hospice is always in their hearts, they donated the taxi money they'd set aside for the trip back to Oldham to the hospice.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice would like to thank The Stoller Charitable Trust, Kwik Fit and Olympic Construction for the financial support received to offset the cost of sending staff to the awards event.