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I’m sure that we have all, at some point, either watched or been in the audience of an awards event. Have you ever wondered how it feels to be a nominee? This is my account of actually being a finalist at the British Journal of Midwifery Awards 2017.

Back in 2006 after my first book, Eyes without Sparkle was published, I was invited to speak at the BJM conference and attend the awards evening. Yes – I have saved the invitation – see photo. I remember back then being in awe of those who were called to the platform to be applauded for their work. Little did I know that years later, I would be one of them!

In the interim, I have continued to tackle the taboo and fear around perinatal mental health and help midwives (and students) to be aware that their small actions can have a great impact upon the mental health of the women and their families in their care. In particular, since the publication of my second book, ‘Another Twinkle in the Eye’, I have been asked increasingly to speak at student midwifery societies and other events. The information many families shared with me about their experiences has enabled me to be able to pass on what they need from healthcare professionals – especially for an additional pregnancy and birth after a previous perinatal mental illness.

So when I received a email to let me know I had been selected as a finalist at the BJM Awards this year for ‘Contribution by a non-midwife to midwifery care’, I was delighted. I was given permission to use the finalist logo and plans were made for attending the ceremony. My parents and Mike, for whom I am PA, were my guests.

 The invitations duly arrived and have taken pride of place at home the last couple of weeks. The next decision was the ‘what to wear’ dilemma! As my schedule has been so busy juggling my speaking engagements, work for Mike and my jobs locally at One Stop in Helsby and the Devonshire Bakery in Frodsham, dress shopping opportunities were slim. My sister, Claire, came to the rescue with one she had purchased and never worn. Thank you, little sis!

The trip turned out to be hugely enjoyable and exciting. On the train journey to London, we managed a picnic! Here are my parents tucking in.

Mum, I and even my brother, had spent ages finding accommodation at a good price and had finally settled for the Park Grand at Paddington. It proved to be a brilliant choice. They upgraded us on arrival from executive rooms to:

  with a view of a classic London garden.  

The rooms were huge and luxurious. The next decision was how to get from there to the venue for the awards. My friend Julie Carr, had suggested previously that we used Uber. It proved to be very efficient, very reasonably priced and added to the excitement of being driven through a bustling Covent Garden. A red carpet greeted us at The Connaught Rooms. It felt wonderful to be there with those who are special to me.

We were directed into the drinks reception for champagne and photographs. I shall post the link to the official ones when I have them. For now, I had this one taken.

We were given a warm welcome by Yana Richens OBE and Professor Dame Tina Lavender from the BJM. In total there were around 80 people there. Some familiar faces too from the years I have been in the midwifery world. I felt very touched and honoured to be recognised by them as an asset.

After the drinks reception, we were invited into the Cromwell suite where the tables were adorned with large candelabras and set for a wonderful evening.

We were with a group of ladies from the Preston area. One turned out to be Trish Leyland  – the other finalist in my category. We realised later that they had put the same category winners on tables together.

It was a thrill to find my name and programme.

Here are my proud Dad and Mum. The lady next to me was Jo Goss, midwifery matron from Lancashire Teaching hospitals. She told me that she had been at the Salford event I chaired and spoken at a few weeks ago and said she recognised my parents from my slides!

I confess that I didn’t have much of an appetite! My heart, mind and stomach were all fluttering! As the minutes ticked towards the ‘Awards’, my mind jumped all over the place with a flurry of thoughts.

I was so pleased to be there regardless if I was the winner or not. I did not want to be arrogant and assume that the trophy was mine. Equally, could I allow myself a small moment of ‘what if’? I have never entered the role of perinatal mental health advocate to ‘win’ awards’. Yet, what if I did? I would be so pleased. I also didn’t know very much about Trish. I knew that she too must have done something wonderful to be there as well. So I also considered how pleased I would be for her if she was announced as the winner. Should I have prepared a speech, just in case it was me ? A few thanks and comments whirled around my head to say if I was given the award. I had a glass of wine after the champagne, and then made sure I had water. I wanted to savour these moments!

The dinner had run over the allotted schedule so when Madeleine Murphy  the editor of  BJM introduced the host of the evening, Rona McCandlish, she was keen to proceed with the presentation of the awards.

Rona reminded us that ‘the BJM Awards have become a prestigious and important part of the midwifery calendar in recognition of outstanding achievements in midwifery practice. Every year, the awards recognise and celebrate hard-working individuals and teams in the midwifery profession. The winners are chosen by a prominent panel of expert judges that is representative of the diversity of disciplines and organisations that make up the sector. The judges will have the knowledge and experience to assess each entry according to its objectives and available resources and budget.’

As she introduced the first awards and different sponsors or supporters to present them, I admit I was surprised at how fast they were being gone through. It seemed a shame really as this was the main reason for the event. It became clear that no-one was being invited to say a few words. Each category was shown a picture and brief description of the the two finalists and then the presenter said the name of the runner-up first. They then made their way to the stage; received a certificate; posed for a photograph then made way for the engraved glass trophy to be given to the winner.

The first awards went to (RU = runner up):

Thank you to the BJM for this timely reminder that perhaps now is not the time for me to stop! Perhaps now is the time for me to step up even more! So what will I do now?

• Find a suitable area at home for my certificates (BJM, BMA, Cheshire Woman of the Year) to remind me to keep on keeping on.
• My contribution to midwifery now has an endorsement – how can I now get more opportunities to share my knowledge, experiences and encouragement with even more midwives and students?
• Pass on my thanks and appreciation to all who made last night so enjoyable and possible. Congratulations too to all the finalists. As Rona said, we were there because we made the ‘ordinary, extraordinary’.

And what can I inspire you to do?

• In your industry or walk of life, is there an Awards event that you know of that you could nominate someone who has made a positive impact upon you?
• If you currently feel despondent about your role or worth, either take some time to read through testimonials you have received or reach out and ask others to let you know what impact you have made.
• If you believe that your passion IS your purpose in life – keep on doing it. Even if you have to do things that might not appear to be relevant.

It has been an exciting few days with two trips to London – a live appearance on BBC2 and receiving an award! It is actually quiet humbling and grounding to then be back behind a shop till (tonight) to serve people in a different way!

This afternoon I am going to spend some time with ladies who are currently unwell with perinatal mental illness. I know they will inspire me – and I hope that, perhaps, I shall do the same for them. Mental illness is dreadful, especially around the birth of a new baby. It wrecks and takes lives. That is why I shall continue to speak up about awareness of it and pass on knowledge.

How does it feel to be a British Journal of Midwifery Award finalist? Amazing!

Elaine 🙂