Our 2025 Elizabeth Pinkerton Memorial Award Winner!

Elle Farley, Clinical Nurse Specialist

Elle is a rare disease Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, looking after children living with TSC, Kleefstra and Angelman Syndrome and she is the winner of the 2025 Elizabeth Pinkerton Memorial Award.

Elle was the only health care professional to receive two nominations this year.

Her nominations came from parents of children living with TSC, who said:

Nomination 1:

From the minute Nurse Eleanor walked into our post-natal ward to introduce herself as someone who would be caring for our new baby, we knew we were in safe hands. Her warm presence while maintaining her professionalism has ensured we always feel well supported and cared for. She goes above and beyond to answer our varied concerns and questions, especially in those early newborn months when it could have so easily felt overwhelming and scary having a newborn diagnosed with TSC. Her coordination of appointments is always smooth and her frequent communication goes above and beyond her role. My husband and I don’t dread every hospital visit because seeing Nurse Elle means we feel held and supported at every turn.

Nomination 2:

When our son was diagnosed with TSC, we met Clinical Nurse Specialist Eleanor (Elle) Farley in the NICU. From the start, her warmth, empathy, and professionalism made us feel safe during an overwhelming time. Since then, Elle has guided us through the TSC-STEPS trial, coordinated complex care, and supported us through emergencies and treatment changes. She combines expert clinical skills with genuine compassion, advocating tirelessly for our son and our family. To our son, she is more than a nurse — she is a trusted and caring presence who brightens even the hardest days.

Elle said that she felt very honoured and grateful for this recognition.

“I am so lucky to work with the families that I do – I am touched they thought of me for the nominations. It really means the world to me!”