A NURSE who specialises in caring for motor neurone patients has finally received public recognition for her tireless and unstinting work.

Doreen Foster, of York, was to have been among the first group of unsung heroes to be presented with the High Sheriff’s Certificate, a scheme set up by former High Sheriff of North Yorkshire Francesca Horsfield.

But the nurse was herself undergoing treatment for cancer on the presentation day – and then December’s snow prevented her from attending a postponed personal presentation.

Now she has finally received her certificate at York Crown Court from the current High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Richard Compton.

Nominating her for the honour, Diana Terry, whose husband Robert died from motor neurone disease, said she was truly a “saint”.

She said: “Since the death of my husband she has continued to support us with her understanding and humanity. Not only is she tireless in the care of her patients, but she is indefatigable in pursuit of higher standards of care for motor neurone sufferers in the wider community and in the various NHS institutions who look after them.

“I have never come across someone who makes such a difference to others and yet does it with such humility and charm.”