A DEVOTED children’s nurse who has spent almost 20 years caring for youngsters at Basildon Hospital has been “blown away” after winning a dream cruise to the Mediterranean.

Claire Wright, 53, has been selected by firm Authentic Cruise Company after they asked people to “nominate their heroes” for a chance to win a free cruise.

The mum-of-four was nominated by her colleague who praised her as a “happy go-lucky person” who goes “above and beyond on the children’s ward” and puts in 100 per cent supporting her patients.

Claire has worked at Basildon Hospital since 2007, starting out as a healthcare assistant before working in the paediatrics ward, on A&E and in the children’s outpatient department.

She will be setting sail on October 31 for an 11-night Mediterranean cruise, a “dream trip” for the nurse.

She said: “I have never done a cruise before so this is my very first time, it is the trip of a lifetime.

“It will be so amazing to go to all of these different places, some I have been to, many I haven’t.

“I do like to travel and I spend my life saving to travel where I can.

“It is a passion, I love exploring new places and with spare time I would rather go to a new destination than have a night out somewhere. Flights are so cheap you can go anywhere.”

The trip starts in Barcelona before moving down the Spanish coast to Valencia and Malaga before stopping In Sardinia, Naples, Rome and Florence before finishing up again in Barcelona.

Claire was "shocked" by the nomination and is excited to spend time enjoying her favourite pastime – travel.

She added: “It is amazing, I was really shocked and I think me and my friend are really appreciative of each other, and in both of our lives we have done really well.

“We have both brought up four lovely children, we have a happy homelife, good working life and we socialise together.

“It is a good friendship and it is lovely to be recognised.”

The nomination read: “My wonderful friend and NHS colleague Claire who is a superstar on the children’s ward where she works, she a mum to 4 and works so hard for her family. I’d love to send her on a fantastic trip on this amazing holiday. Claire is such a happy go lucky person. She goes above and beyond on the children’s ward where she works. She not only cares for the sick children she also gives supporting the poorly children’s parents.”