National nursing award for ARU apprentice
Ellie receives Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award in surprise ceremony
Ellie Falconer with her Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award and her book Super Teddy
An apprentice at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has received a prestigious national nursing award, during a surprise ceremony, for her outstanding contribution to patient care, sepsis awareness and the nursing profession.
Ellie Falconer, who has been working at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow for her Nursing Associate apprenticeship alongside her studies at ARU, lost her younger sister Ruby, who was just six years old, to sepsis in October 2024.
Since then, Ellie has channelled her grief into an effective and multi-faceted awareness campaign, working with the UK Sepsis Trust to improve understanding of the condition among parents and children.
Ellie wrote a book, Super Teddy, which was released earlier this year and helps young children understand the symptoms of sepsis. Overall, Ellie has raised more than £50,000 for sepsis awareness initiatives and £15,000 for, The Ruby Rose Foundation, a charity founded in her sister’s memory.
While on campus for one of her final skills lessons, Ellie was surprised by a visit from Wendy Matthews, the East of England’s Director of Nursing and Regional Chief Midwife at NHS England, who presented her with the Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award.
The presentation was also attended by Ellie’s family, friends and colleagues, alongside representatives from NHS England, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and ARU. NHS England was also represented by Louisa White, Senior Clinical Manager.
“Winning the Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award is an incredible honour and something I never expected. It means so much to have my nursing journey and my sepsis awareness-raising work recognised.
“Following the loss of my younger sister, Ruby, I wanted to turn that heartbreak into something positive by helping others. This award inspires me to continue providing compassionate care, advocating for patients, and raising awareness in Ruby’s memory. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.”
ARU Nursing Associate Apprentice Ellie Falconer“It was a privilege to present this award to Ellie. It recognises not only her outstanding achievements as a Nursing Associate, but also her courage, compassion, and determination to improve care for others. She is an inspiration to us all.”
Wendy Matthews, Director of Nursing and Regional Chief Midwife for the East of England at NHS England