“SHE MAKES a horrible situation bearable.”

Those are the words of one Hampshire mum who has battled bowel cancer for many years but found comfort in the care of her nurse who has been with her every step of the way.

Liz Hatch, from Regents Park, has had to undergo various intrusive operations and procedures but lead gastrointestinal cancer nurse Jane Winter has always gone beyond the call of duty to make her as comfortable as possible.

So to thank Nurse Winter for her unrivalled care, the 68- year-old has nominated her for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes Award.

Liz, who has to go for regular check-ups at Southampton General Hospital, to ensure the cancer is kept at bay, said: “Jane has been nominated in previous years by other people but despite an ever increasing workload and running her own clinics she continues to do an amazing job.

“Having twice had parts of my bowel removed due to cancer, a liver operation and numerous exploratory X-rays, examinations and treatments Jane has always been there for me helping the situation.

“It is such a comfort to know she is always there to arrange follow up treatments, sort out any problems and that she will always find the time to offer advice and support to myself and my husband.

“She just makes a horrible situation so much more bearable and I am lucky to have her treating me.”

Daily Echo readers had the opportunity to nominate anyone employed by the trust which runs S o u t h a m p - t o n General Hospital, the Princess Anne Hospital and C o u n t e s s Mountbatten House, as well as some services at the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Nurse Winter said: “I really want to emphasise just what an honour it is to be nominated by those who matter most in our work.

“It is a privilege to be part of their lives during such a difficult time and throughout their care as a whole.

“If we can make even the smallest difference or make their journey slightly easier, however difficult it b e c o m e s , then it is such a pleasure to help.”

Nomina t i o n s have now closed.