Preston hospital staff pay tribute to critical care nurse and "devoted mum" who has died aged 40

Sister Judith 'Jude' Beswick, who led the critical care team at Royal Preston Hospital, died peacefully on January 20 at St Catherine's Hospice in Lostock Hall.

On Tuesday (February 9), a service was held at Charnock Richard Crematorium to mark her passing, prompting a flood of tributes from heartbroken colleagues.

At 10.30am, prior to the service, staff gathered outside Royal Preston Hospital to say their final goodbyes as Mrs Beswick's funeral cortège passed the critical care unit, with the hospital's NHS flag flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Her friends and colleagues at the hospital have paid tribute to Mrs Beswick, describing Jude as "the most selfless person" who "always had a smile" and "always put her patients and colleagues first".

On Tuesday, a hospital spokesman said: "Today we say a very sad goodbye to one of our lovely colleagues, Sister Jude Beswick. She was the most selfless person, always putting her patients and colleagues first."

Her colleagues on the critical care outreach team added: "She will be forever in our hearts. RIP Jude, you were very special."

"Jude was a beautiful person inside and out," said a nurse colleague, adding, "her nursing skills, compassion and empathy to others was inspirational."

Another colleague paid tribute to Mrs Beswick's commitment to helping those in her care on the 28 bed critical care unit at Royal Preston Hospital.

"Jude made such a difference to so many when they were at their most vulnerable," said Denise Brooks.

And her dedication to her job saw tributes from hospital staff from across the North West, with the Cheshire and Mersey Critical Care Network cherishing "fond memories" of working with Mrs Beswick.

Posting on Twitter, the team said: "Jude was the loveliest of people and a fabulous nurse. Fond memories of working with her. Thinking of her, her family and her work colleagues at this sad time."

Mrs Beswick leaves behind her husband Anthony and son Charlie, her brother Will, as well as close family and friends.

A book of remembrance can be found on the critical care unit for staff to pay their respects to Mrs Beswick.

Mrs Beswick's brother Will Burton has set up a JustGiving page to help raise money for St Catherine's Hospice in his sister's memory.

If you would like to contribute, you can make a donation here.