Castleton schoolgirl wins top prize in annual NHS contest

A 10-year-old schoolgirl from St Gabriel's RC Primary School in Castleton has won a top prize in an annual contest  thanking NHS staff, while learning about the many careers in the NHS.

Lesley Kaengele created a rainbow poster with four staff members showing the diversity and range of NHS staff with a ‘thank you’ message to the NHS and was awarded the top prize for the north west region in the Step into the NHS contest.

Health Education England (HEE) runs the competition each year to raise awareness of the more than 350 career opportunities in the NHS, while supporting the career aspirations of young people in education.

This year’s competition saw 916 entries from more than 1,080 pupils in 36 primary schools across England. As well as encouraging students to challenge gender stereotyping in health professions, pupils had the chance to say ‘thank you’ to the NHS in their own personal and creative way.

In a special prize presentation assembly on Friday 8 July Lesley received a certificate, a £25 Amazon voucher and an exciting goody bag.

Lesley said: “I learnt that the NHS is a lot bigger than it seems; it's not just doctors and nurses but computer scientists, and cleaners, and they're all as important as each other.

“My mum inspired me because she's strong and puts her strengths into helping other people which inspires me to be just like her.

“To me, the NHS means a huge diverse army that helps everyone from all backgrounds without judgement.”

Lianne Powers, ward sister, Rochdale Infirmary said: “It was a privilege to visit such a lovely school and to speak with all the children.

“The artwork was outstanding and really showed the diversity of the NHS. Seeing how engaged and hearing how many of the children’s parents and family worked within the NHS was very humbling and made me feel proud to be a nurse within our local community.

“Hopefully my words have helped inspire a new generation of healthcare workers who we will see caring for our community in the future.”

The judges for the primary school competition were Dr Navina Evans, chief executive of NHS Health Education England, NHS trainee clinical scientist Kade Flowers, and medical student Marianne Gazet.

Dr Evans said: “The entries for the Step into the NHS 2022 contest have been creative, entertaining and inspirational.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our north west regional winner Lesley on her rainbow poster – keep up the great work, Lesley.”