JO Upton’s nursing career is testament to her passion, persistence and unwavering commitment.

From the bustling streets of Wallasey to the hallowed halls of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, it’s been a long journey to the top.

And Jo wants to share her story, to inspire the next generation of medical and nursing students who want to make a difference.

Jo was born in Wallasey and her hardworking and resilient parents instilled in her the values of perseverance and determination from a young age.

Her father worked in a factory and her mother graced the halls of Lewis’s – the legendary Liverpool department store.

Jo said: “School wasn’t always smooth sailing for me.

“I was the classic “Joanne”— the one who could do better if she just stopped talking and paid more attention.

“Beneath that chatter and occasional distraction lay a fire — an unyielding desire to make a difference.

“I left school with nine good GCSEs but no A-levels, and the world didn’t expect much from me.”

Jo describes her path into the medical profession as a calling and one that would change her life forever.

In the late 1990s, the healthcare system faced a critical shortage of nurses — 50,000 strong – and an advert caught Jo’s eye.

She applied to Chester University, embarking on a three-stage interview process and stood before the Dean asking them to take a chance on her.

Jo said: “They believed in my potential and I embarked on a three-year journey that would shape my destiny.

“In those days, it was the Diploma in Higher Education in Nursing that awaited me — a rigorous programme that tested not only my knowledge but also my resilience.

“I learnt the art of compassionate care, the science of healing, and the power of advocacy.

“As I walked across the stage in 2002, a newly minted nurse, I knew my purpose had crystallised.

“But it was what lay ahead that truly ignited my passion.”

Two years before this – in 2000 - the NHS Cancer Plan had been published, which was a visionary document that outlined the path forward.

It spoke of nurses with advanced skills —nurses who could take blood, cannulate and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Jo said: “I had never worked in cancer during my student days, but the plan resonated with me.

“It was a call to action — a summons to elevate our profession.”

She applied for a role on a haematology ward despite them not usually employing newly qualified nurses.

Jo admits it was here that she found her purpose.

She learnt to read lab reports, administer treatments and hold the hands of the vulnerable patients.

Working as a trainee chemotherapy nurse in the “sacred realm” of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, she obtained a degree in cancer nursing and took additional courses in oncology.

Jo said: “From there, I embarked on a new adventure — research nursing.

“Commercial trials, gene therapy investigations — I delved into the unknown, seeking answers that would shape the future of cancer care.

“The patients became my partners, their courage fuelling my determination.

“I stood at the crossroads of science and compassion, bridging the gap between theory and practice.”

Jo continued on to a master’s degree and was an advanced nurse practitioner in the making.

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre believed in her and, as she climbed the ladder, she found moving away from the centre a difficult decision.

Jo said: “I wanted to enable more patients to receive treatment outside of a hospital.

“Starting at LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare as a healthcare development manager and eventually becoming lead cancer nurse, deputy head of nursing and head of nursing titles felt surreal.

“A girl from Wallasey, with no A-levels to her name, now leading teams and shaping care.”

Last year, Jo became director of nursing and clinical services, transitioning from the senior leadership team to an executive board member.

She said: “My journey from ward to board epitomises the essence of nursing —the persistence that defies odds and the inspiration that lights our way, reflecting the increasing gender diversity in the upper echelons of leadership for female nurses.

“My story is not just a personal journey but a testament to what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and the belief that we can make a difference.

“From Wallasey to the world, my path in nursing has been one of profound fulfilment and relentless dedication.

“If I, just a girl from Wallasey, can reach such heights, so can countless others who dare to dream.”