Liverpool research matron crowned the region’s most outstanding cancer nurse

A Research Matron from Liverpool has been crowned the region’s most outstanding cancer nurse by North West Cancer Research.

Mum-of-two Shirley Pringle from Childwall, who has over twenty years’ nursing experience, was presented with the award at the Charity’s Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, recently held at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Liverpool.

Based at the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Shirley was commended for her involvement in clinical trial recruitment at the centre, where around 30 studies are currently taking place featuring approximately 400 patients per year – a figure which is four times more than any other centre in the UK.

Also a member of the Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Research Nurse Senior Leadership Group, Shirley was recognised by the Charity for her dedication to mentoring her fellow nurses at the start of their careers, and a desire to enhance care and improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Shirley is current studying an MBA at John Moores University in Liverpool to further her leadership role within research.

Shirley Pringle commented:

“It is a great honour to be recognised with this Award, which I dedicate to my mum who I lost to cancer five years ago. The role of a clinical research nurse is often underestimated so I am proud to fly the flag for our research nurses.

“I am fortunate to lead a wonderful research team who work hard every day to promote research opportunities across the North West, and grateful to have worked with some truly inspirational leaders who have dedicated their careers to improving care and outcomes for our patients, which inspired me to take the path I have taken in nursing.

“My husband and two children are my greatest support, especially after a difficult day. I’m extremely proud that my daughter is following in my footsteps and studying nursing at University from September.”

The North West Cancer Research Gala Dinner honoured the efforts of the charity’s life-long fundraisers and researchers, who together have helped the organisation become the leading independent cancer research and education charity for the region.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, commented:

“It is an honour to be able to celebrate the dedication of our supporters as well as excellence in research across our region. It is thanks to our fundraisers, researchers, corporate supporters and donors that we have evolved to become the organisation that we are today.

“To host our Gala Dinner for the first time since 2018 was an absolute pleasure and it was a wonderful chance to celebrate people’s life-saving efforts. We were overwhelmed with entries this year and the standard was exceptional. We extend a huge congratulations to all of our winners and nominees and thanks to our sponsors and all of those who helped to make the evening a success.”

Radio presenter Claire Simmo hosted the evening’s awards, which was sponsored by Life and Pensions Systems.

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding life-saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care, and find the cure for cancer.

Find out more about North West Cancer Research HERE.