WHEN Sarah McDonald was nine years old she was diagnosed with diabetes.

But luckily for Sarah, now 11, and a pupil at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, she was allocated her own Florence Nightingale in the form of Carol Wade.

Carol, a specialist children's diabetic nurse, based at Queens Park Hospital in Blackburn was on hand to answer all the family's questions and help them through a very difficult time.

Sarah's mum Lesley, 44, said: "It was a real shock as Sarah had always been fit and healthy.

"She complained of being tired on the Wednesday, was sick on the Thursday and by Friday was nearly in a coma.

"We were sent to Queen's Park and by Monday this wonderful lady who was so full of fun and life came along.

"She gets on the same level as Sarah and is so good at explaining what is happening.

"She is a real friend and has got to know the whole family.

"This whole thing has been made so much easier to deal with. It has made such a difference and I know she is like that with everyone she sees at the clinic.

"She is so approachable and if anyone deserves an award she does."

The family, who live in Park Avenue, Clitheroe, now see Carol every three months at their health centre but know she is only a phone call away and Lesley speaks with her every two weeks or so.

Sarah, who has four brothers and two sisters aged six to 25, is now controlling her insulin dependent diabetes but is grateful she has Carol to call on when needed.

Carol has been nominated for the Dettol Community Nurse of the Year Award which aims to rewards exceptional achievements, contributions and excellence displayed by thousands of health visitors, midwives and community nurses throughout the UK.

Lesley, and Sarah's dad Ron, 45, have also nominated Carol for our Pride of East Lancashire Award for Outstanding Vocational Worker.