SHE was a friendly face at a time when they needed someone to turn to.

And although specialist cancer nurse Donna Sharland has already been crowned as winner of the accolade last year, she has been nominated again as a Southampton hospital hero.

Heather and David Chapman, of Romsey, want to nominate Donna for her kindness to them through Mr Chapman’s battle with cancer.

The Daily Echo Hospital Heroes award is a chance for residents to honour dedicated members of staff who have gone above and beyond duty to make their lives better.

When doctors told Mr Chapman that he had throat cancer in September 2012, Mrs Chapman said it was a very distressing time.

He subsequently underwent an operation last February.

But right from the beginning they met Donna, who they say helped them to cope and explained what would happen.

The couple, who have been married for 51 years, met Donna at every hospital appointment and were also able to call on her at any time.

Mrs Chapman, 77, said Donna had helped her to cope with what her husband was going through.

“Somehow there’s something about her and she knows all about it and you feel much more relieved after seeing her. She’s a friend as well.” Mr Chapman, 77, added: “She was very helpful.”

The couple understand that Donna also raises money for charity in her spare time.

Last year she won the accolade after being nominated by grand-father Daniel Fitzpatrick who credits his victory over cancer to the “brilliant” care he received from the nurse who inspired him to face his fears.

Nurse Sharland took the time to explain the treatment and answer the questions of the 57-year-old from Totton, giving him the confidence to tackle chemotherapy.