An oncology nurse who cares for children battling cancer has been crowned KentOnline’s Hospital Hero.

Liz Maclaren won the category at the Medway Star Awards at MidKent College, in Gillingham on Thursday (June 12).

The ceremony recognises those who have gone the extra mile or shown great passion and commitment to their service.

Liz, who is a part of the hospital’s Children’s Outreach and Specialist Team, supports both children and their families in her care.

She was recognised for her work after setting up a children’s oncology fund. which helps with day-to-day life, like food and even repatriation to home countries if they have sadly passed away.

Jumping from an aeroplane and wing walking are just some of the fundraisers Liz has organised and taken part in to raise money.

You can read more about her role and nomination here.

The 41-year-old was presented with the award by Kent Messenger senior editor Matt Ramsden.

Liz said: “It is an honour to have won the 2025 Hospital Hero Award. Attending the awards was a wonderful opportunity to see the incredible work going on across the hospital and to highlight the service that myself and my team are providing.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who nominated me and the Kent Messenger Group for choosing me as the overall winner. It is great to be recognised for the work we are doing.”

The gala saw a total of 11 awards presented to staff of Medway Maritime Hospital.

In eight of the categories people nominated their colleagues. The Team of the Year and Employee of the Year were picked by the judging panel from the hospital’s monthly award winners.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust interim chief executive Jon Wade said: “Our Annual Star Awards recognise the great work which goes on here at Medway every day, across all areas of the hospital, both frontline and behind the scenes.

“Hearing all the fantastic stories really does demonstrate how we can work in partnership to deliver and provide high-quality care to people living in Medway and Swale.

“Well done and congratulations to all our 2025 Medway Star Awards nominees and winners.”

The KM opened the Hospital Hero award for nominations earlier this year and was overwhelmed with responses.

A total of five finalists were shortlisted – each week we shared their stories.

Last month, we told how play specialist of 30 years, Ann McKinnon, was also a finalist after being recognised for her kind and compassionate care for patients.

We also shared the story of senior maternity support worker Jo May, who helped “save” the mental health of one of her patients who she took under her wing when admitted to hospital for 10 days after having her baby.

The following week, care hostess Maria Antunes was announced as the fourth finalist for keeping new mothers comfortable and fed.

And finally, Dr Jarek, who has helped countless women facing difficult pregnancies deliver babies, was recognised as our last finalist.