Student Nursing Awards celebrates achievements of University of Chichester students
Two outstanding student nurses at the University of Chichester have been recognised for their achievements with awards in memory of pioneering local nurse, Mary Gilchrist.
Charlotte Munn was honoured with the Mary Gilchrist Academic Achievement Award in recognition of academic excellence. Charlotte said: “Reflecting on my journey, nursing has always felt like a part of who I am. However, life’s responsibilities meant delaying that dream until I finally took the leap at 30. As a single mother to a disabled child, I began my training with determination but little confidence. I never imagined I’d not only finish, but graduate at the top of my class.
“It’s been far from straightforward, requiring relentless juggling, caffeine-fuelled nights, and unwavering family support. As I hang up my student tunic, this award serves as a powerful reminder: despite the challenges, I’ve achieved more than I ever thought possible. I now step into the nursing profession with pride, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose.”
The Mary Gilchrist Award for Success against Adversity was awarded to Alisia Sprake. Alisia said: “I am truly honoured to have been nominated for the Mary Gilchrist Award and to receive this recognition. I am deeply grateful to the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing team for their support and belief in me throughout the challenges I have faced.
“I am genuinely moved and overwhelmed with surprise to receive this award, and it is truly something I never expected. Life often brings challenges that test our resilience, and it is through facing these difficulties that we grow stronger and more determined. This is what continues to motivate me in my studies and commitment to nursing.”
Dr Nita Muir, Head of School of Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester added: “Being a Registered Nurse requires compassion, patience, knowledge, tenacity and expertise; it is a profession of the heart and soul. It is wonderful that both Mr Gilchrest and the Charity from University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recognise our students success, across all areas, as they strive to achieve their dream in joining our profession and becoming a proud graduate from the University of Chichester.”
Mary Gilchrist was a pioneering nurse during the mid-20th century, serving as a theatre sister in London hospitals during the darkest days of the Second World War, narrowly missing death from German bombs on many occasions. Mary was born the first of ten children in 1914 to a rural ploughman in the Scottish Highlands and fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse training at a Quaker Hospital in York and later Edinburgh before moving to London.
She later trained as a midwife and psychiatric nurse, dedicating herself to helping children with disabilities and their parents among the poor of East London for which she won many awards. Mary was an important supporter of St Richards Hospital Chichester, where she died in 2013 aged 99.
In memory of his mother and as a mark of thanks to the nurses who looked after him after recent surgery, Rod and his wife Joy decided to make a donation to acknowledge the hard work of the trainee nurses of the future.
Rod said: “My mother loved nursing and would be enormously proud to know she is helping the nurses of tomorrow to follow their dream.”
This award is also generously supported by the Charity at University Hospitals Sussex.
