Pam O'Donoghue, a gastrointestinal cancer research sister at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, was presented with the award by the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.

Pam spent five years working at the Cuckmere Ward, DGH and still lives in Eastbourne with her fiancé, who is a research registrar in cardiology at the DGH.

The award was recommended by Simon Battersby who sang her praises after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2005.

The father-of-four from Muswell Hill was referred to UCLH for chemotherapy where he was placed under the care of Pam.

Simon was so impressed with Pam that he nominated her for Beating Bowel Cancer's annual Nurse Recognition Awards.

Simon celebrated with Pam and UCLH consultant medical oncologist Dr John Bridgewater at the awards, which formed part of Beating Bowel Cancer's parliamentary reception for its BE LOUD! Campaign.

Pam said she was ecstatic when she opened the letter telling her she had won the award.

"Having such a good training and working with such excellent health care professionals at the DGH has definitely contributed to my success as GI cancer research sister at UCLH and to the award that I have received," said Pam, who is due to complete an MA in nursing studies at the University of Brighton in June.