Sally Bostock, who is based at Mansfield Woodhouse's Oakwood surgery, was nominated for a prestigious 'hero' award at national baby charity Tommy's annual awards.

Her name was put forward by patient Louise Kerkhof, who has suffered a catalogue of pregnancy difficulties resulting in the loss of three babies.

Speaking from her home on Felton Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, Louise (35) told Chad that midwife Sally (45) was her 'rock' through the pregnancies.

"My partner Dirk and I decided to try for a baby and were amazed when I fell pregnant almost immediately in February 2004," said Louise.

"I was put under the care of Sally and everything seemed pretty normal until we got to 27 weeks when I began to have aches in my tummy.

"Sally advised me to visit the hospital for a check up where I was informed that I was contracting.

"Sally was off duty but was by my side within an hour and an hour and a half later I gave birth to our beautiful son, who we named Jasper Thomas.

"However, aged two days Jasper passed away in neonatal with bleeding in his lungs. Sally came to his funeral and was always there for us."

Louise soon fell pregnant again and Sally agreed to look after her again, visiting the family home whenever Louise was worried.

At her nine-week scan Louise found out she had a bi-cornuate uterus but managed to get to 32 weeks before going into labour.

"Sally was once again by my side within the hour and came into theatre with me," said Louise.

"Our beautiful little boy Harrison James was born with no problems and after three-and-a-half weeks in neonatal he came home with us and is nearly three-years-old now."

But after such joy, Louise and Dirk (38) faced more heartache when trying for a little brother or sister for Harrison.

The couple lost another two babies in their attempts to extend their family, but Louise said Sally was there for them all the way through the difficult times.

Said Louise: "She is a midwife in a million. I have made a true friend and am so blessed that Sally came into our lives."

Louise and Sally went along to a star-studded ceremony at Hyde Park in London on Friday to collect the award.

Sally told Chad: "When they were telling Louise's story we both got a bit tearful as we have been through so much together.

"But we had a fantastic time and even met a few celebrities. I'm thrilled that Louise nominated me for the award and I'm glad that something positive could come out of such a tragic experience."