Top award for 'guardian angel' midwife from Dudley

Claire South, who has worked for the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust for 11 years, has been named Midwife of the Year for the Midlands and East region.

The 33 year old was nominated by Lucy Goodway who was helped by Claire through both heartache and joy during two pregnancies.

Claire went on to win the Emma's Diary Mums' Midwife of the Year 2016 prize, which is part of the Royal College of Midwives' Annual Midwifery Awards.

At 37 weeks in July 2014, Claire sadly discovered Lucy's baby had no heartbeat. Two days later Lucy, from Halesowen, delivered a baby boy, Jack William Goodway.

Claire remained by 35-year-old Lucy's side in the days after the stillbirth to remember baby Jack and support her family through their grief.

Seven weeks later Lucy discovered she was pregnant again but was terrified about what was to come. It was Claire's support and encouragement that got her through the pregnancy.

In June 2015, Lucy gave birth to a baby boy who she named Archie Jack Goodway, after his big brother. She also has a daughter, Nell, who is three and a half.

Lucy said: "Claire has been my guardian angel twice. When I lost my beautiful little boy at 37 weeks, she was there for me every single day – holding my hand, always knowing what to say, talking openly about our memories of baby Jack and giving me hope for the future.

"And then she was there for me again throughout my next pregnancy a few months later.

"I was a nervous wreck but she was so kind, calm and supported me every step of the way."

"I am now lucky enough to call her my friend and have a beautiful rainbow baby."

On winning the award, midwife Claire said: "I'm completely blown away to have won this special award.

"It's such an honour as I feel like I was just doing my job.

"Knowing I have made a difference means everything to me."