It’s Sunday May 17th 2026, the day after the Lots for Tots Awards night, and wow, what an absolutely amazing evening. But before I share the details of the canapes, chocolate fountain and incredible individuals, I want to take you back exactly 4 years to the 18th May 2022. (And yes, I really have trailed through my what’s app account for this message, I have the receipts).
My youngest little boy had just turned 12 weeks, and I was at the very beginning of a whole year of extreme sleep deprivation. My very good friend still had not met my little boy. She lives about 2 hours away, and normally we meet half-way to catch up and put the world to rights. She messaged me that day to ask if we could arrange our usual half way meet, she was really looking forward to meeting the newest addition to our family. This is what I replied: “We are ok…finding it tough still. Think XXX is just an unsettled little guy. He cry’s so much. Would love to see you…not sure what to suggest. I’m not sure about meeting half way as I’m really struggling with tiredness and generally just not feeling myself. I can generally meet for about an hour…I know that sounds ridiculous but the sleep deprivation is really affecting me at the minute. I’d hate for you to drive all the way for me to feel exhausted. I’m so sorry. Maybe after half term?”. Spoiler alert: I didn’t meet her until the Summer holidays.
I’m sharing this because 4 years ago was the start of one of the hardest years of my life, and it’s the whole reason Sleep Nurse UK exists. I’m not sharing it out of pity, or martyrdom, but because I know that so many parents struggle with sleep and to be a professional who can support parents through what can be one of the hardest and exhausting times of parenthood is an absolute honour. So, I guess back to the awards.
I’ve never been to a black tie event, wedding yes, black tie, no. Someone was shocked when I said that to them, but being a nurse for the NHS, the most I’ve got dressed up was during Covid, hello PPE, and for Christmas night outs. So this was such a special event to attend.
Now, Lots for Tots isn’t just your average awards night. Here in Derby and Derbyshire, Lots for Tots is an award winning magazine that is read by over 26,000 families per month! It’s an absolute honour to even be nominated at all, never mind even get to the final.
One of the most amazing things at the awards was meeting the other individuals and businesses truly making a difference to children and families in Derby. Now as a business owner myself, I can’t tell you the feeling of having others really cheer you on. Not competition. Not a goodwill clap. I mean, really championing you. And if you’ve seen the video of me winning, (highly recommend you take a look at my Instagram), apart from me looking extremely shocked and about to pass out, you can hear the cheers of others around me. That’s true support in business.
It was at the Pirelli stadium in Burton-upon-Trent and as soon as you entered the venue you knew it was going to be special. Everyone looked incredible! We had professional photographs on the way in, glasses of prosecco and then we made our way to the main room for the night, where a very talented singer was serenading us as we took our seats.
Now I thought I’d be really good at recognising amazing colleagues that I know from social media, turns out I’m not. It’s actually quite a skill to place someone when you meet them in real-life, even if you know their business and you follow each other on social media. But, I did manage to meet some of the very special women I know in fields such as midwifery, mental health, charities and child group leaders too.
For anyone interested in the canapes, I had a yorkshire pudding with beef inside and also an arancino ball. But were delicious, however both seemed not to be canape sized (my husband was delighted) and yes, I did struggle to eat it with a near-miss on my dress, but obviously I tried my best and managed(!).
We then had a two course meal, (again delicious), followed my some magic that I’m still trying to work out, and then it was onto the awards. To hear about the work of other business owners, the feedback from their clients, and to hear the room erupt at the names being read out was electric.
I think there can be a stereotype that there’s competition or rivalry at events like this, but if you were there on Saturday, you’ll know there was only genuine support. It was very inspiring.
It was the little touches on the night as well that made it so special. Hand written notes to each nominee, with words about what their work meant to families. On the screens, a slide show of all attendees and words that had been said. It really made you feel exactly like you want to feel, that you’re making a difference.
Accepting the award for Family Support Provider of the Year 2026 was truly an honour, and it is a moment I will never forget.
I didn’t start Sleep Nurse UK for awards. It began as a very sleep-deprived mum who nearly walked away from her nursing career. It began with a genuine desire to make a difference, to support parents with compassion, understanding and evidence-based guidance. A way to bring together all my years of experience as a paediatric nurse and health visitor.
I know sleep looks different for every family. I know sleep is as unique as the child themselves. And I know not every family will need my support. But when sleep does feel hard, I really hope parents find me. No judgement, no pressure, just caring, compassionate support.
To be recognised at such a prestigious awards ceremony has truly been an honour. It’s only strengthened my passion to continue supporting families and advocating for sleep advice that is safe, responsive, realistic and always centred around parental instinct too. I’m honestly still on cloud 9.
After the awards was dancing, photo booths, a chocolate fountain, and…well maybe what happened at the after-party should stay at the after party?
Thank you Lots for Tots for such a special evening.
Four years ago I couldn’t even meet a very close friend with my 3 month old. Last night I made an acceptance speech for the work that I do. Yes, that first year was the hardest of my life. But it was the start of Sleep Nurse UK. And some big things are coming. I’m so excited for the next chapter.
