Pontefract midwife shortlisted for national ‘Midwife of the Year’ award

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust says is proud to celebrate the achievement of midwife Laura Woffendin, who has been nominated and shortlisted for the award by Mariposa International, a leading UK and global charity providing bereavement support to anyone affected by baby loss.

The organisation is best known for its main support division, ‘Saying Goodbye’, which offers support to people experiencing pregnancy after loss, infertility, adoption and more.

Laura was nominated by a patient she supported through bereavement, who recognised her exceptional compassion, care and dedication during one of the most difficult experiences a family can face.

Her nomination was one of many submitted from across the country, with Mariposa International describing this year’s response as “extremely large.”

To be shortlisted from such a large field is a significant testament to Laura’s impact.

Kerry Reede Field, the Trust’s Director of Midwifery, Children’s Nursing and Women’s Health, said: “We are incredibly proud of Laura and delighted to see her compassion and professionalism recognised on a national platform.

"This reflects not only her personal commitment to compassionate, person‑centred care, but also the dedication of our maternity teams who provide vital support to families experiencing loss.

"She embodies our Trust values, and this nomination highlights the profound difference she makes to the families she supports.

"We wish Laura the best of luck as she prepares to attend the national awards ceremony later this month.”

Mariposa International supports more than 50,000 people every week who have been affected by baby loss, and its annual Mariposa Awards honour the outstanding work carried out by NHS staff caring for bereaved families.

Andrew Clark-Coates, Mariposa International Founder and Global CEO said: “We are thrilled that Laura has been nominated for her genuine care and support, and she thoroughly deserves to be shortlisted for the Midwife of the Year award."

Laura, along with all shortlisted nominees, is invited to attend the awards ceremony at the prestigious Mariposa Ball, taking place at the Landmark Hotel in London on April 25, where winners will be announced by well‑known figures from stage and screen.