OUR big hearted Best Midwife winner Valentina Burnett was surprised by Jamie Oliver – who hid her trophy in an oven.
Gobsmacked Valentina, 45, who is originally from Bulgaria, burst into tears when the TV chef opened the oven door and presented her with the award at his HQ in north London.
She said: “I’m so grateful, chuffed and humbled. I’m so grateful to come here to work. It’s not a joke? Are you serious?”
Valentina was nominated for the gong by Natalie Doye, 26, who suffered a bleed on the brain when she was 39 weeks pregnant.
She was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital, where daughter Gracie was delivered by c-section last October.
The midwife took care of baby Gracie at the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, Hants, while Natalie fought for her life in a coma.
Valentina, who had actually had brain surgery just a few years earlier after doctors discovered she had a brain tumour, also offered much-needed emotional support to Natalie’s family.
Natalie, who was also there for the surprise presentation, said: “I’ve got no memory of anything. My mum said Valentina was a listening ear, a support.
“It’s incredible, especially considering what she’s been through.”
Jamie, 45, added: “Valentina is absolutely amazing. After everything she’s been through, she still carried on as a midwife and has gone above and beyond.
“She so deserves this award.”
And he joked to Valentina: “I’m very proud and happy – and just relieved you knew who I was.”
