This year Kate Evans, 40, of Crosshands and a graduate of Swansea University, won the Mamas and Papas Midwife of the Year Awards Welsh regional winner prize.  

Nursery brand Mamas & Papas, along with support from The Royal Bank of Scotland, have together issued thousands of nomination forms for their annual Midwife of the Year awards in stores, magazines and online and this year witnessed a record number of entries. The awards recognise the dedication and commitment well beyond the call of duty which is delivered day in and day out by practising midwives in the UK.  

Nominated for the award by mother Claire Wyatt for her supporting on wishing to avoid a second caesarean at all costs and have a natural birth, Kate encouraged Claire to retain control of the birthing experience without jeopardising the wellbeing of the baby. Despite a very long labour and the eventual outcome that a caesarean was needed, Claire felt she had not failed just because the final method of delivery was different to what she had originally hoped for.

Mum Claire wrote a long letter of commendation regarding Kate’s exceptional work stating,

"She is truly special. I really did have a positive birth experience thanks to her and I feel that she really is my midwife of the year.

"As the labour progressed she talked to me as if she had known me before and understood how I felt after having my first child. The big difference this time was that I felt in control. I cannot put into words how different I feel after the operation this time and I really believe that my time with Kate is what made that difference."

Married mum-of-two, Kate, originally from Scotland, revealed she thought someone was playing a trick on her when she found out about her nomination! She said:

"I was amazed and honoured to be nominated – and even more so to have won. I thought it was a joke to begin with because I’ve only been qualified two years and didn’t expect to get such a huge vote of thanks. I didn't even know the competition existed until I found out about my nomination.

"I really enjoyed my time at the School of Health Science in Swansea University and chose to study there because it was close to home and they have such a good reputation for the midwifery degree course. The training and education was excellent and seems to have paid off!"

Richard Faulkner, Deputy Chief Executive of Mamas & Papas and the originator of the Midwife of the Year Awards spoke of his Company’s continued commitment to champion the unsung heroes of the NHS,

"When we started The Midwife of the Year Awards' eleven years ago we did so as we felt in our hearts that this silent service needed to be celebrated for the staggering work they do, even if they feel they are just doing their job. It saddens me to see that the industry is under more pressure today than ever and this is why the awards are more needed now than they were eleven years ago.

These women and men, the individuals as well as teams, whether they are rural midwives or city midwives, deliver not only a safe service but also deliver the hopes and dreams across the world. Without them many of us would not be here today and what can be more rewarding than saying thank you to these humble, patient and gifted people who are the key to our future."

All the regional finalists, mums, babies and guests were invited to attend the award ceremony held recently in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire hosted by new mother and BBC Money Programme presenter Saira Khan.