A care hostess who goes above and beyond to make sure mothers are kept fed has been recognised for her hard work.

Marcia Atunes, from St Mary’s Island, has been shortlisted for the Hospital Hero category in Medway Maritime’s Star Award.

The 50-year-old has held her position for two years. Before then, she worked as a cleaner.

She said: “I just like to feed the mothers and then the mothers feed their babies. It’s amazing.

“I’ve always loved caring for others – I was a carer for seven years before.

“It’s my passion, I love everything about it. If I were asked to stay in hospital for 24 hours for someone, I’d be there.”

One of the most rewarding parts of her job is when she gets struggling new mothers not feeling their best to eat something.

She added: “We have a conversation and I’ll try and encourage her because she has to eat.

“Then they’ll just smile and say ‘Thank you Marcia for helping me’ – I like it.”

Marcia was nominated for the Hospital Hero award by one of her patients who was kept in hospital for two months after being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy.

She said: “We built up a lovely relationship with Marcia, who got to know me and my husband, and our families.

“This lovely lady honestly went above and beyond her job description to make us feel comfortable and welcome at an extremely worrying and stressful time in our pregnancy.

“She honestly brightened up some really tough days.”

When she and her family would miss meal times due to appointments, Maricia would have a hot meal or sandwich waiting for them when they returned.

Marcia said she did not expect her nomination but it feels “amazing”.

She said: “If I won, I would be grateful.

“But, the most important thing is that I help someone – if I win or not, I want to see someone happy and well.”

The KM-sponsored Hospital Hero Award recognises staff who have gone above and beyond in their duties.

Earlier this month, we shared how fellow nominee Elizabeth Maclaren, a paediatric oncology nurse, set up a fundraiser to help support children with cancer, as well as their families.

We also revealed play specialist of 30 years, Ann McKinnon, as the second finalist after being recognised for her kind and compassionate care for patients.

Last week, we told 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.

We will be publishing details of the final nominee next week. The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, June 1.