Throughout advent, we're highlighting those who work hard throughout the year - and at Christmas - to keep Norfolk and Waveney's health service ticking over.

This countdown of those we count on will focus on a different person or individual every day up until Christmas, celebrating our healthcare heroes.

Christine Hawkins, matron for palliative care, Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust (NCHC)

Christine has worked within the NHS for 40 years plus and has always put patients at the centre, dedicating her nursing career to improving patients' and families' experiences.

She has worked within inpatients, community, walk-in centre, prison service and recently her later years have been working within palliative care where she has played a leading role in developing the palliative care services whilst working with key stakeholders to grow the service.

She will spend time talking and supporting staff, empowering them to grow. Christine is a leader, a clinician a manager, and above all a nurse who has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of patients, their families, and enabling staff to grow in their chosen health care field.

• To read about other holiday health heroes, click on a door on the advent calendar above.