Recognised for her ever-present “Mary Poppins bag” filled with resources to comfort, distract and engage young patients, Annie received multiple nominations from grateful parents, with many highlighting her unwavering support for children and families from diagnosis to adulthood.
One nomination described her as “a little bit of heaven” for children with type 1 diabetes, praising her tireless efforts to organise memorable events throughout the year – from Christmas parties and Easter celebrations to summer activities.
Another nomination read: “Annie is an amazing lady who has helped my son tremendously since his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. She has always been so helpful to us and overall a lovely lady and Medway Hospital would not be the same without her!”
Annie’s career journey is as inspiring as her work. She began in the catering industry as a chef and waitress before running a church nursery for 17 years. She joined Medway Maritime Hospital in 2008 as a play leader and went on to qualify as a play specialist in 2013 after completing her degree.
Today, she supports children living with a range of complex conditions, including diabetes, respiratory illnesses and cancer, as well as those requiring continuing care.
No two days are the same, she says: “I could be supporting a child with a blood test, keeping them occupied while parents speak to doctors, running Teddy Hospital or pathology tours, or mentoring other play specialists.
“For me, it’s about how I can help children get the treatment they need as painlessly as possible.”
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