"At the present time, there is concern for the high intervention rates in childbirth which takes place in a biomedical context, and I wish to join in the campaign for promoting 'normal' childbirth. Childbirth is taking place in hospital delivery suites where the 'normal' birth can include use of pharmacological pain relief such as an epidural, and the use of continuous cardiotocograph monitoring, with women attached to monitors, drips, indwelling catheters and consequently being immobilised. How can we expect the normal physiology of childbirth to take its course with all these interferences? Midwives need to support women using their interpersonal and midwifery skills while giving women back the confidence to trust their bodies to give birth without unnecessary technical support.

"I am strongly motivated and committed to move midwifery forward in England. Hence, I chose to enrol on the MSc Advanced Midwifery Practice. I believe that gaining a more in-depth theoretical understanding will enhance my practical orientation so I am self funding myself to gain more knowledge in midwifery. I believe that successful completion of this course will open new avenues in the field of midwifery."

"I am very happy and pleased to win this award; it came as such a surprise to me. I am very thankful to the Iolanthe Trust. This award has taken some pressure off towards finding money to pay the fees for the course as £1,000 is a lot of money for a student.

"I am very grateful to the course leader Dr Trudy Stevens, who informed me of the Iolanthe Trust and encouraged me to apply for the award. Trudy and the midwifery lecturers at Anglia Ruskin University are very dedicated in supporting student midwives."