• Student Nurse shortlisted for prestigious award in Black Healthcare Awards 2025
• Lancashire Healthcare Assistant studying at Bolton to become Nurse recognised for hard work, diligence and excellent delivery of care.

Oluchi Okoroafor, a Student Nurse on clinical placement at Royal Bolton Hospital has been shortlisted for the Health Support Worker of the Year Award at the Black Healthcare Awards 2025.

The Black Healthcare Awards is a prestigious annual event that celebrates the outstanding contributions of Black professionals across the health and care sectors.

Now in its second year, the awards shine a spotlight on individuals and teams who are making a real difference, through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and compassionate care.

This year’s ceremony is an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community will take place on Saturday 12 July 2025, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

Michelle Kay, Practice Education Facilitator at the Trust said:

“Congratulations on your nomination, this is amazing to hear and a true reflection of your hard work and dedication, keep up the fantastic work.”

Oluchi, who is also a Senior Healthcare Assistant at Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been consistently recognised both at national and local levels for her hard work, diligence and excellent delivery of care.

In the Nursing Times Awards 2025, Oluchi was a finalist in two categories: Student Nurse of the Year and the Mary Seacole award for outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion. To reach the finals in such a prestigious awards ceremony, is an achievement in itself.

She was also recognised recently by the Clinical Educators at Bolton and awarded two certificates of excellence, alongside regular recognition from colleagues and patients.

Oluchi said:

As a proud African woman of faith, rooted in grace and driven by a heart to serve, I embraced every patient encounter as a sacred assignment.

“I rose by choosing compassion over convenience, integrity over indifference, and purpose over praise. Every patient I cared for reminded me that nursing is not just a profession — it’s a divine calling.

“Through long shifts, silent sacrifices, and unseen moments of care, I discovered that true excellence is not measured by titles, but by the lives touched along the way. With God as my strength and service as my mission, I’ve learned that true greatness is found in the quiet, consistent acts of care.

“To every healthcare professional: let your care speak louder than your title, and your heart lead louder than the applause.

Everyone at both Bolton and Lancashire are wishing Oluchi the very best of luck and are looking forward to the outcome of the Awards.

You can learn more about the awards and the ceremony on the Black Healthcare Awards website here.