Gayle is a Lead Nurse in the Early Pregnancy Unit at St George’s Hospital in London. 

For the last 24 years of her career, she has focused on women’s health and gynaecology, a field she is ‘deeply passionate’ about. She mostly works in a clinical role, but also provides teaching and training for her nursing and medical colleagues. 

Her nomination for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care came from Emma, a bereaved parent supported by Gayle over several years whilst experiencing recurrent miscarriages and the birth of two ‘rainbow babies’. 

In her nomination, Emma said: “We sadly had 7 recurrent miscarriages with 2 rainbow babies in between, so pregnant 9 times over 5 years. Each nerve-wracking pregnancy we had weekly scans to see if our tiny babies survived. Sadly, many didn't, and Gayle treated us with such care and compassion through each pregnancy and each loss. Our third baby got to nearly 14 weeks, but potentially had Edwards syndrome, Gayle kept us sane and supported. 

“Each loss we suffered Gayle treated us with such dignity, gently telling us the heart wasn't beating, crying with us, comforting us, and arranging the necessary procedure to move forward which we wanted to do as quickly as possible to try again.” 

Emma praised Gayle for the ‘honest and real’ reassurance she provided and how she supported the family with the necessary procedures and referrals. Standing beside them through it all, Gayle ‘lived it’ with them, through the losses and also celebrating the joy of the two successful pregnancies and babies, who are now 13- and 10-year-old children.  

Emma said: “Sheer empathy, warmth and kindness, nurture and radiate from her soul like sun beams. She got it, she understood, she cared, she helped, she cried with us, she laughed with us, she was silent with us, she was with us all the way on our long journey and has a place in our hearts forever. Not enough words to summarise her importance and our gratitude and love for her. We are one of hundreds, thousands of broken hearts she has held…” 

On being nominated and shortlisted for the award, Gayle said: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to the family that nominated me. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this recognition, especially coming from those who have endured such profound loss. It means the world that a parent or family would consider my care important enough to put the time into writing to Sands about it. I truly understand the nomination comes from a place of immense pain and I am sincerely moved that they have chosen to acknowledge my work in such a meaningful way. 

“This recognition from Sands deeply resonates with me. It validates the hard work and dedication I have invested in my profession over the past 23 years. It highlights the importance of the relationships we build with those we care for in our service. It is a reminder that our efforts can offer comfort, solace, and hope, even in the darkest times.”