Pride of Guernsey: 'Care never wavered'

Jane Dodd, who recently lost her mother, said Dr Richards had supported her mum during illness and had taken it upon herself to visit her mum at home each month.

'Since my dad died in 2009 I have accompanied my mum on most of her doctor visits,' said Mrs Dodd in nominating Dr Richards for the Ravenscroft-sponsored Angel of the Year Award.

'Dr Stella was always very warm and welcoming to us both.

'She always spoke directly to mum but she was very aware that of course I was "taking it all in" when mum couldn't.

'My mum thought the world of this lady, as do I, and have told numerous people about her amazing abilities.'

Dr Richards never let Mrs Dodd's mum down and always did everything in her power to get to the bottom of any medical issues.

'Her care never wavered.

'She never made you feel rushed and always made you feel as if you were the only patient she had to take care of.

'She listened patiently to me as I always had a list of questions.'

Over the last few months, Mrs Dodd's mum had been very poorly and unable to go to the surgery.

'Dr Stella took it upon herself to visit mum at home each month, even if we hadn't called her.

'Before doing her medical examination of mum, she would sit on the floor beside mum, holding her hand and listen to stories she had heard at least once before.

'Sadly my mum died on Tuesday 17 May. Dr Stella called me that morning, as soon as she had heard the news.

'This lady very much deserves this award, though she would think not.'