Most Inspirational Student of the Year

Ciara Devine Queens University Belfast

Ciara has defied the odds to complete her nursing degree after surviving a cardiac arrest, battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, overcoming physical and emotional challenges. As a Wellbeing Ambassador, she’s inspired peers with her determination, exemplified the core values of nursing as a caring, compassionate, courageous, competent individual. Despite facing unimaginable obstacles, she has emerged stronger, empathetic, committed to making a difference. Her experiences have shaped her into a nurse who truly understands the power of compassion and resilience. Her story provides hope for anyone facing adversity, proving that with determination and support, it’s possible to overcome the darkest moments.

Graham Gibson Queen's University Belfast

Graham is one of the most inspirational students I have ever met. His ambition drives him to explore new opportunities and signifies an unwavering determination to succeed and to enable others to do the same. His roles as Student representative for nursing, RCN student Representative for Northern Ireland, Nursing Times Student Editor, and extensive involvement with University groups and committees has undoubtedly encouraged his peers to strive for excellence. He does all this with kindness, compassion, authenticity and an unassuming nature, whilst balancing academic work, responsibilities at home and his employment in the acute care of adults with learning disabilities.

Emma Lucia Whiteman Northumbria University

Emma is an award-winning and published multi-disciplinarian. She has a distinctly two-pronged approach to fostering social inclusion: innovating person-centred resources and education strategies. Emma has spearheaded numerous initiatives to reduce health inequalities. Emma has also impacted on policy and curriculum, playing an influential role in the provision of interprofessional education at the university. An inveterate team-player, Emma has taken an active role in several professional groups, including through her Interprofessional Education Internship and sitting on the Learning Disability Shared Decision-Making Council. Already a published researcher, her academic work is consistently of outstanding quality.

Jaz Marques Middlesex University

Jaz Marques, Student Nurse in Adult field, with over 15 years of experience spanning across diverse healthcare, community support, and leadership roles, whose journey into nursing has been shaped by resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to advocacy.

Natalie Mulley University of Salford

Nat is an Adult Student Nurse. Nat is deaf. You may pause at this point to consider how this might impact on the ability of a nurse to navigate clinical duties and deliver patient safe care. Nat is already ahead of you, making it happen, leading reform across academia and clinical practice to ensure that were there weren’t processes in place to support deaf/Deafened students/student nurses/patients that there now are. Nat uses her hearing loss as motivation to overcome obstacles and trailblaze – enabling and equipping others with the support they need and reducing barriers to inequality.

Jessica Pidcock Sheffield Hallam University

I am Jess, a final-year student children's nurse at Sheffield Hallam University. I am autistic and a parent to two autistic boys, one of which has profound learning disabilities. Over the last three years, I have worked on several projects, including going into schools to help educate young people who face additional challenges about higher education and how they belong. I have worked with other neurodivergent healthcare professionals to create training resources on supporting neurodivergent learners in practice. I have also created my own webinar and booklet for student healthcare professionals on caring for autistic children and young people.

Paige Rivers Edge Hill University

After overcoming severe anorexia nervosa and a complex history of complex trauma, I wanted to give back after being saved over and over by nurses who did not give up. Becoming a student nurse was more than the end goal of being a registered nurse, it was the start of a journey to inspire and empower others and showing them that no matter how many times people tell you that you can't, do not give up. Now the president of the faculty, NHS England Rep and other roles, I work to advocate, empower and generate positive change within nursing.

Maria Sierra University of Wolverhampton

Year 3 Adult Student Nurse

Eleanor Wilkinson University of Plymouth

My nursing journey has been one of resilience and growth. Overcoming challenges, I found purpose through volunteering, research, and reflection. I designed a CAMHS sensory room, mentored in surf therapy, and created resources to support future student nurses. Recognised with Wow Awards and being offered an undergraduate research internship, I’ve excelled academically and contributed to impactful research on eating disorders, neurodiversity, and nursing education. My experiences have shaped me into the nurse I aspire to be—a nurse who understands the complexities of mental health, stands up for others, and believes in the incredible power of compassion and connecting with people.