A midwife who helped a mum through a high-risk birth has won an award for her care and support.

Sue Lovell, who is the head of midwifery at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, was nominated for the Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year by Laura Mayor.

Laura, 34, met Sue early on in her third pregnancy and was anxious after a traumatic experience during the birth of her second child.

She said: “As my pregnancy progressed my high-risk status became more complicated, but Sue was my support throughout.

“She was with me from the moment I arrived at hospital to give birth and made time in her busy day as head of midwifery to check on me regularly.

“When I started to panic and doubt myself she listened to me, she hugged me, she calmed me down and stayed with me whilst I gave birth.”

She added: “Without Sue I’m not convinced my birth would have been so smooth, she did everything in her power to give me a positive experience.

“I am forever indebted to her, she deserves this award, to be recognised for she is amazing and was my rock during pregnancy and birth.”

With Sue’s help, Laura, from Upminster, gave birth to a health baby girl named Hayley, now seven months old.

And her appreciation of Sue led Laura to nominate her for the award, part of the Royal College of Midwives’ annual midwifery awards.

The 751 nominations across the country were put through a tough judging process, resulting in seven regional winners - including Sue, 54, who was named champion for the London area.

She will now join the other regional winners at a ceremony next month to find out who will be crowned the national winner.

Sue, from Chigwell, said: It’s a real privilege to be voted as London’s regional winner, and something I would have not dreamed of receiving.

“As head of midwifery, I don’t always have the opportunity to be the one providing hands-on care to our patients, but it’s what I find most rewarding about my job.

“Being a midwife is very special, you’re supporting women when they are at their most vulnerable, and it’s so important that you are an advocate for them, helping them to understand what is happening during their labour, and ensuring they have a voice.”