A PASSIONATE student nurse from Halesowen has been recognised with a national award.

Roxanne Williams, who was inspired to become a children’s nurse after her young cousin died from cancer, has won the Nursing Times student child nurse of the year.

The judges described the 25-year-old as “inspirational” with qualities including “passion, courage and commitment”.

They added: “She has a deep insight into needs of children and families with a determination to succeed in the face of doubt from others.”

Roxanne, who was nominated by City of Birmingham University lecturers where she is a third student due to graduate this summer, said she felt “overwhelmed”.

She completed a sports and exercise science degree but switched careers after losing her 12-year-old cousin to a neuroblastoma.

Roxanne, of Carters Lane, said: “The experience inspired me to go into nursing. I spent a lot of time with him at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“One of nurses said ‘if you feel so strongly about nursing children why you don’t do it?’

“That resonated with me - I couldn’t get the question out of my head and decided I would have to do it. I hope my experience encourages people to follow their dreams.”

The winners of the 2016 Nursing Times Awards were announced at the London Hilton, Park Lane.

The awards recognise and reward brilliant educational establishments and honours those who are committed to developing new nursing talent as mentors, lecturers and providers of placements.

They also pay tribute to students who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them brilliant nurses.