An NHS nursing apprentice has received a grant to develop her career. 


Charlotte Proud has been successful in applying for a grant from the Brittle Bone Society, a charity that supports people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), known as brittle bone disease. 


The Gareth Cumming Adventure Memorial Award in Healthcare is given in memory of one of the charity’s trustees who died from severe OI at the age of 38. 


The grant is open to anyone with the condition, providing up to £1,000 which can be used for personal development, education or training. 


Charlotte will be using the money to attend the Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference, which takes place in Glasgow this month. 


She said: “I feel really excited about this opportunity. Being able to attend this conference will really help with my learning and development, particularly as I progress to my final year of the registered nurse degree apprenticeship programme. I am grateful for all the brilliant support I’ve received.” 


Living with OI can present unique challenges, and certain things may require additional planning, support, or resources. The purpose of Gareth’s Memorial Award is to reduce barriers, boost confidence and provide practical support where needed. 


Charlotte was two when she was diagnosed with OI. After working for the NHS for seven years as a physiotherapy assistant, Charlotte began a registered nurse degree apprenticeship with the University of Sunderland in 2023. 


As part of the apprenticeship, Charlotte works at Elm House in Gateshead, a rehabilitation unit for adults with complex mental health needs run by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).