A NURSE at the Royal Bolton Hospital who helps patients and families in their darkest hours has been named Lancashire Woman of the Year.

Fiona Murphy, who earlier this year was also named Nurse of the Year, was presented with the award at Myt- ton Fold Golf Club, near Blackburn.

Mrs Murphy, aged 47, is the clinical lead for bereavement and dona- tion at the hospital.

“The other women did such bril- liant work that I was gobsmacked when my name was read out.

“But I am really proud of my team, patients and families and their sup- port.”

As well as helping with bereave- ment, Mrs Murphy and her team provide information on organ and tissue donation so relatives can make an informed choice.

This has increased donations and helped other patients who are waiting for a transplant.

More than 3,000 staff at the hospital have been trained so they can help sup- port anyone who loses a loved one.

and talk about dying The mother-of-three and her team have received national and international praise for their work, helping people with bereavement as well as encouraging people to sign up for donations.

The team provides immediate and ongoing support when a patient dies. The Lancashire Woman of the Year accolade, which has been awarded for the past 22 years, is given to a woman who exceeds the normal expectations of her profession.

Mrs Murphy, from Chorley, said: “I feel really humbled and a bit over- whelmed.

Mrs Murphy said: “Awards like this give us a platform to break down taboos and talk about death and dying.

“It shows if the committee decided to award this to us, then we are breaking down barriers around death and dying.”

Debbie Gregory, from The Lan- cashire Woman of the Year commit- tee, said: “What is remarkable about Fiona is her humility.

“It was clear when we spoke to her colleagues the high esteem she is held in and the sterling work she does.”