North East midwife wins Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026

Baby loss charity Sands recognises compassionate care for bereaved families with prestigious national award

A midwife whose exceptional compassion and dedication helped a family through the loss of their baby has been named the winner of the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026.

Helen Wilson, a midwife at The Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, received the award following a heartfelt nomination from bereaved mother Ashley Waugh.

Ashley praised Helen’s empathy, kindness and unwavering support during the birth of their son, Benjamin, who was stillborn at 22 weeks and four days in October 2025.

Ashley Waugh said: “In the darkest hours of our lives, Helen gave us safety, dignity and humanity. I truly could not have asked for a better midwife, and she is profoundly deserving of recognition for the empathy and compassion she brings to families experiencing unimaginable loss.”

In the nomination, Ashley described how Helen provided calm and reassuring support throughout labour, ensuring the family felt safe, respected and cared for during one of the most devastating experiences of their lives. Helen remained by the family’s side, guiding them through every stage of labour, helping them access specialist bereavement support, and creating opportunities for precious memories with their son.

Throughout the family’s time in hospital, Helen helped create a supportive environment where they could spend meaningful time with Benjamin. She introduced the Abigail Cooling Cot, arranged support from bereavement specialists and chaplaincy services, and ensured the family had access to lasting keepsakes, including photographs that Ashley described as “priceless”.

The nomination highlighted the way Helen treated Benjamin with tenderness, dignity and respect, enabling his parents to feel recognised and supported as a family while creating memories they will cherish forever.

Remarkably, this was Helen’s first experience caring for a family whose baby was born sleeping since qualifying as a midwife. Ashley said her care was “instinctively compassionate, calm and deeply human”, making an immeasurable difference to how the family experienced their loss.

Responding to the award win, Helen Wilson said: “It was an honour to be nominated and stand alongside so many incredible health professionals shortlisted for this award.

“Knowing that a bereaved family felt the care I provided deserved to be recognised is so meaningful. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, personalised care and I’m proud to have won the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care.”

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands said: “Every family’s experience of pregnancy or baby loss is unique and the care they receive during this time has a deep, long-lasting impact.

“When a midwife like Helen takes the time to understand a family’s wishes and what is important to them, they can provide personalised care that helps the family feel respected and supported. Providing information in a kind and compassionate way can make such a big difference.

“All the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care nominations were submitted by bereaved parents and family members, giving them an important opportunity to thank the healthcare staff who cared for them and their babies. I hope this Award will shine a light on the difference that so many healthcare workers are making for bereaved parents every day.”

Elaine Thorp Award in memory of a midwife who went the extra mile

The Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care aims to recognise the vital work done by midwives, nurses, and other healthcare staff to care for parents affected by pregnancy loss or the death of their baby.

Elaine Thorp was a midwife who personified good bereavement care and a true pioneer in listening to bereaved parents. Elaine first became aware of the need for better bereavement care in the late 1970s and became involved with Sands in 1991 when she took on the role of Bereavement Officer at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. Elaine retired from the NHS in 2007 and sadly died in 2013, but those with whom she worked and volunteered remember her with great affection.

Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.

Image: Helen Wilson receives the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care from Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands. Submitted by Sands

Source: Sands

Staff Writer