A Thornton Heath midwife who goes above and beyond the call of duty to help some of some of the most vulnerable people in the community, including the homeless, asylum seekers and refugees, has won national recognition.

Memuna Sowe, who is the lead midwife for Vulnerable and Marginalised Women at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust’s Rainbow Health Centre, based in Brigstock Road, was named Midwife Of The Year at the annual British Journal Of Midwifery Practice Awards.

Memuna said: “I’m proud of this award and want to dedicate it to our fantastic team in maternity and homeless health. They work across many disciplines and have taught me so much about providing great care.

“The vulnerable women we see are often very late in their pregnancy and, without our care, they and their child would be at great risk. We are very grateful to have the skills and resources to help them, so that they get the same maternity care as other mothers and their chances of a good future are improved.”

Ann Morling, Director of Midwifery at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: “We are overjoyed that Memuna has won. She and her team meet every challenge with skill and compassion.

“I hope she inspires other talented men and women to consider a career in maternity and to see how diverse and rewarding it can be.”