EVERY single one is a hero.

Fifteen hospital workers who have gone that extra mile to make people better were nominated for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes award.

And yesterday the waiting was finally over as the winner and two runners-up were announced at a special awards ceremony held at Southampton’s Novotel hotel.

The Daily Echo chose nurse Jane Shelswell, who works as a sister at Southampton General Hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, as the winner of our coveted Hospital Heroes award.

Jane was nominated by Dennise Allen, 33, and husband Mark, 35, after she helped to care for their son James who spent three weeks on the PICU ward after suffering multi-organ failure.

Dennise and Mark said Jane looked after James like any mother would care for a poorly son.

Jane, who was reunited with four-yearold James at the ceremony, said: “I am really chuffed. It’s lovely to see James. It’s a very nice success story.

“Everyone remembers him. It’s not just about me. I work with a very nice team and love my job.”

Jane, who was presented with a £100 cheque, said the ceremony was about everyone who had been nominated.

Runner-up was nurse Margaret Lane who works as a sister at the Princess Anne Hospital’s neonatal unit and was nominated by 13-year-old Victoria Munro.

Margaret looked after Victoria, now a pupil at Hounsdown School, after she was born weighing just 2Ib 7oz. Since then Victoria has regularly written letters and sent cards to Margaret as a sign of her appreciation.

Margaret said: “Being nominated has made me feel very good and honoured.’’ Fellow runner-up was colorectal specialist nurse Jane Winter. She was nominated by Tracey Johnson who was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer last November aged just 31.

Jane said: “Its just lovely. To be nominated by patients above anyone else is the best reward.”

Both runners-up were presented with £50 cheques. All those nominated will also receive special certificates.

Guest speaker was Olympic sailing gold medallist Sarah Webb.