A CARLISLE nurse who launched her own campaign to help dementia patients across Cumbria has received a top award.

Leanne Story, who has just completed her nursing degree at the University of Cumbria, took it upon herself to recruit and help train over 400 dementia friends.

Now the 24-year-old has been awarded the university’s Jim Cox Prize for most inspirational student at her graduation ceremony.

Leanne, an adult nursing graduate, won the prize for organising a conference earlier this year to raise awareness of the condition among fellow students.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme aims to change perceptions.

Now, having trained over 400 friends, Leanne continues her mission with the aim that anyone who comes in contact with dementia patients will better understand their needs.

She said: “We’re not giving dementia patients the best care that we can. We want to try to educate people so we can improve the quality of life and the care that we give them.”

Professor Louise Nelson, head of nursing at the university, nominated Leanne because of the difference she has made to staff and students’ understanding of dementia. She said: “Leanne has made a huge difference to the student population and in public settings in recognising dementia and in enabling staff and students to be dementia friends.”

Leanne, who graduated on Tuesday, is now working on the Elm dementia ward at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary.