A SPECIALIST osteoporosis nurse who works tirelessly to raise awareness about the life-limiting condition has received a special award.

Sister Amanda Durber received the Seren Betsi Gold Award at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Achievement Awards (BCUHB) after coming out on top in a public vote. The ceremony was held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS staff from across North Wales.

Amanda, who works at the North Wales Bone Unit based at Llandudno Hospital, cares for patients living with osteoporosis and bone-related conditions. She also carries out fundraising and awareness for the National Osteoporosis Society.

Amanda said: "It is wonderful to receive the Seren Betsi Gold Award, I would like to thank everyone who has voted for me.

"It is a huge surprise to have won this award and I’m extremely humbled as there were some incredible colleagues who have gone above and beyond in their roles also nominated.

"We’ve achieved so much this year at the bone unit, and we want to keep the momentum going and have another busy year in 2019."

Last year Amanda organised a team-building 206 mile walk across North Wales to raise funds for the charity last year, having previously climbed Snowdon in September 2016 with the Bone Unit Team in support of the organisation.

She also organised for Conwy Castle to be bathed in orange light as part of a national campaign to raise awareness around the condition.

Dr Kirsty Maclean, rheumatology consultant, said: "Amanda is a very conscientious and caring nurse and always goes the extra mile to ensure patients receive the best possible care and treatment.

"She is very passionate about education and driving forward innovative ideas for the unit. She has done incredible work to raise the profile and awareness of osteoporosis in the community."

A hospital matron also won a top award at the glittering gala evening.

Helen Rogerson was named the winner of the Jilly Wilcox-Jones award; the award was set up in memory of Jilly, a former nurse who had dedicated her working life to supporting people with mental health problems. The mum-of-three died in April 2016 after developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Helen, a matron for Older Persons Mental Health Services in Conwy and Denbighshire, was recognised for her commitment to lifelong learning and her tireless efforts to improve the care and support available to patients.

He work has included overseeing the refurbishment of the Bryn Hesketh Unit in Colwyn Bay and Tegid Ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital’s Ablett Unit, which has significantly improved the environment for patients with dementia.

Helen said: "I feel very humbled and privileged to have won this award on behalf of the Older People’s Mental Health Service. It’s a great honour as I used to work alongside Jilly at the North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, so to be given this award in her memory means so much more.”

Karen Jowitt, service manager for Older Persons Mental Health Services in Conwy & Denbighshire, said: "Since beginning her career at the North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, in the early 1980s, Helen has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning.

“Her natural disposition is one of care and compassion and these are the qualities that our dear colleague Jilly demonstrated throughout her own life and career as a mental health nurse.

"Helen has progressed and flourished throughout her career and her commitment to her patients is her number one priority every day that she comes into work."

Andy Wilcox-Jones, Jilly’s husband, added: "We as a family are delighted that Helen Rogerson has won the award in memory of Jilly. Helen is someone who has worked extremely hard in her career and has achieved great success, which is so well deserved."