Published on: 11 May 2026
To mark International Nurses Day on 12 May, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating its fantastic nursing workforce. The annual awareness day recognises the key role nurses play in supporting patients both inside our facilities and outside in the community.
As part of this, the Trust is spotlighting Toby Marandure, Care Group Head of Clinical Practice for Working Age Adults Community & Urgent Assessment Triumvirate Leadership. Toby explains how he got into nursing after wanting to pursue a career that had a positive impact on people’s lives to give back to those in Derby and Derbyshire communities. 
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I came to England 25 years ago with the ambition to do my very best and achieve as much as I could. I trained at Nottingham University in 2002, and although it was a challenging journey, I was determined to make a difference. Initially, I thought I would return home after training, but opportunities in Derbyshire Healthcare led me to build my career here.
In my spare time, I used to enjoy working on an allotment growing my own vegetables. Now, much of my time is spent with my family and focused on my faith. I also sit on the board of a local Academy in Derby as a way of giving back to the community.
I decided on a career as a nurse partly because my brother was already working as one, but also because of my own early experiences. While at school, I did some work supporting the Red Cross, and that’s where my admiration for nursing really began. Although I initially wanted to study economics, once I started my nurse training, I never looked back. I genuinely feel it’s the best career – every day I make a positive difference in someone’s life, and I value the contribution I make to the community.
What makes you proud to be a nurse at this Trust?
The best part of being a nurse is making an impact on people’s lives. I find it incredibly rewarding to help people when they are in need and to influence how they live their lives in a positive way. People often come to me for advice, even outside of work, and that reinforces how valued the role is.
I also really enjoy mentoring and supporting students and junior staff. Recently, I led a series of events at my local church to raise awareness about suicide in men, particularly Black men, encouraging people to seek help and speak openly about mental health.
Is there a moment in your career that you are particularly proud of? / What has been the most rewarding part of your nursing journey so far?
One of my biggest achievements is progressing into a senior leadership role within the organisation. When I started at the Trust 21 years ago, I never imagined I would reach this level. Becoming Head of Nursing and now Care Group Care Group Head of Clinical Practice is something I’m very proud of.
Academically, achieving my master’s in leadership and management and undertaking further professional leadership training has also had a significant impact on my practice, especially the Fellowship in Older Person Management with King’s College London.
On a personal level, I’m proud of my children, hearing my daughter speak positively about me as a mental health nurse gives me a great sense of fulfilment.
What helps you stay motivated during busy or difficult periods?
A good shift for me is one where I feel I have made a meaningful difference in someone’s life. My days are often very busy, but whatever I do, I aim to give 110% and perform to the best of my ability.
At the end of the day, being able to reflect on what I’ve achieved and identify how I’ve contributed to the care of the people we support is what makes it a good working day.
What does International Nurses Day mean to you?
International Nurses Day means a great deal to me as a BME senior manager because it is a time to recognise the hard work, compassion and resilience of nurses, especially those from diverse backgrounds who often face additional challenges. Throughout my own journey, from frontline clinical practice to senior leadership; I have seen first-hand the vital role nurses play in delivering safe, high-quality, and person-centred care, often in complex and demanding environments.
It reminds me not only of the importance of representation and inclusion, but also of the responsibility I hold to influence systems, improve standards of care, and support the development of the nursing workforce. I am particularly mindful of the need to create environments where all nurses feel valued, heard and empowered to contribute, regardless of their background.
The day also offers a moment to reflect on the progress we have made in promoting equality and professional development, while recognising that there is still more to do to address disparities and improve opportunities across the profession. For me, it is both a celebration for BME nurses’ nursing contribution at every level and a call to continue leading with fairness, respect and a commitment to continuous improvement. It also means we need to ensure that the next generation of BME nurses can thrive within a truly inclusive and supportive system.
What advice would you give to someone starting or considering a career in nursing?
I would encourage anyone considering nursing to go for it. It’s a rewarding career where every day is different, and every day you make a positive impact on people’s lives. A big part of nursing is how you make people feel, and that is so important.
Nursing isn’t just mental health nursing – there are many different disciplines, but mental health plays a role in all aspects of care. There really is no health without mental health. It’s also a career that offers fair financial reward and strong recognition from the community, as well as personal fulfilment.
