THEY have been a rock of support to countless women in Hampshire struggling to battle breast cancer.

Nothing is ever too much trouble and they are always at the end of the phone, ready to ease any fears and worries.

It is this dedication that has seen this quartet of breast cancer care nurses nominated for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes Award.

Cancer sufferer Carol Brimson, from Maybush, has nominated Emma Bourne, Kye Squire, Caroline Evans and Catherine Walsh, after receiving treatment at Southampton General Hospital.

The 63-year-old was diagnosed with the disease last November, after a routine scan discovered a cyst on her breast.

Devastated by the news, Carol didn’t know where to turn or what to do, faced with a mastectomy and radiotherapy in a bid to fight the disease.

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But thanks to the care of these four nurses, the administration clerk has tackled each stage of her treatment and is recovering well.

Carol said: “I simply do not know how I would have coped without them.

“They are all absolutely brilliant and no matter what your problem, they are always just a phone call away and will help you no matter what.

“That type of support is priceless.

“Just knowing that someone is on the end of a phone helps so much and they are not just there for the patients, they take time with family members too.

“Even on their days off they will pop into our group meetings to see how we are all doing and I just want to say a big thank-you to them because they have been great.”

Catherine Walsh, on behalf of the nurses, added: “Our work really is a team effort and it is an honour for all of us to be nominated.

“We are passionate about patient care and it is great to have our hard work recognised by the people who matter.”