A NURSERY nurse has been presented with a special award for her dedication to supporting families with disabled children.

Sarah Dance (42), who works at Family Nursing and Home Care, was nominated by colleagues for the William Glasson Award.

With over 20 years’ experience in the field of paediatric care, she has provided support for families with disabled children by offering respite care in their own homes. She is currently the only person in Jersey who is able to offer this service.

Family Nursing chief executive Karen Huchet said: ‘Sarah’s work is so important because she educates and supports parents, enabling them to improve their coping skills, and the feedback to us is always that Sarah has made a real difference to their lives.’

Sarah, who lives in St Clement, said: ‘I am thankful for all the support I have had at Family Nursing and Home Care. I work well with my health visitor colleague and I believe this award recognises our combined achievements.

‘My work is rewarding and I am happy that I have been able to adapt the role to meet the needs of families in the community.’

Recently Sarah started a sensory group at Mont à l’Abbé School for young Islanders with special needs, providing relaxation therapy as well as fun and learning. She also works with disabled children at Oakwells hydrotherapy pool.

The runner-up for the William Glasson Award was Karen Balston, who has been working for Family Nursing and Home Care for the past 12 years, the last eight of which she has spent as locality co-ordinator.