“SHE just never stops.”

Those are the words of 29-year-old Gabrielle Archer, who has praised the work of one Southampton hospital staff member as part of the Daily Echo Readers’ Choice Award for Hospital Heroes.

Gabrielle has nominated paediatric rheumatology nurse specialist at Southampton Children’s Hospital, Sarah Hartfree.

Seven-year-old Isabella-May Mortlock has juvenile arthritis, and was diagnosed with she was just one-year-old.

One morning, Isabella woke up and struggled to walk having previously been fine.

She was taken for a series of tests, but doctors first thought it was an ear infection affecting her balance.

Gabrielle said: “We didn’t think that was right and it took so long and so many tests to try and find out.

“Eventually we sat and waited in hospital and we saw a different doctor to the ones we had previously, who instantly said she had an idea of what it was.”

Gabrielle’s mother, Donna Marie Wilkins also nominated Sarah without knowing her daughter had done the same.

Donna said: “One day Isabella was struggling to walk across a car park and we just said enough was enough.

“After her diagnosis, Isabella met Sarah and the two struck up an instant bond.”

The seven-year-old patient now sees Sarah on a regular basis.

Gabrielle said: “Sarah played games, made her laugh and made it seem like the last thing she wanted to do was examine her, which is exactly what Isabella needed. Sarah attends all of her appointments now and even came to sit by me after her shifts as my other child Isaac, was diagnosed with e.Coli.

“She fundraises tirelessly, including a 200-mile bike ride and organises psych sessions for parents and children.

“Now, Isabella is having four weekly infusions. Every infusion Sarah is waiting for us on the ward ready to help Isabella through it with a smile and cuddles. She just never stops.

“She’s an incredible human being and definitely a superstar.”

Sarah said: “I am absolutely delighted to be nominated for this fantastic award and am so grateful for our patients and their families for taking the time to say thanks in this way.”

To nominate your own hospital hero, email aaron.shaw@dailyecho.co.uk or phone 02380 424538. Alternatively, write to Aaron Shaw, Newspaper House, Test lane, Redbridge, SO16 9JX.