Tolu Marcus

Please briefly describe your clinical/medical experience to date?

I am a Paediatric Nurse specialising in neurosurgery at King’s College Hospital, with over two years of dedicated experience on a neurosurgical ward. I began as a staff nurse and was recently promoted to Junior Sister, and I am currently working towards becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist. In my role, I provide comprehensive care for patients with a range of neurological and nervous system disorders, including those recovering from neurosurgical procedures. My focus is on enhancing patient outcomes and supporting their rehabilitation, helping to improve their quality of life through each stage of their recovery.

What motivated you to enter paediatric care in the first place?

I have always loved being around children and it became obvious that paediatric care was an area that suited my personality. Working with children brings a sense of purpose, as every small improvement in their health has a profound impact on their future. I find it incredibly rewarding to support not only the children but also their families, helping them through challenging times. This field will allow me to bring the continuous care, strength, and hope to families when they need it most, which is exactly why I chose this path.

How will the funding from The Evie Dove Foundation help you to advance your career and your impact/services to children?

Funding from The Evie Dove Foundation will deepen my passion for neurosurgery and to further specialise in paediatric neurosurgical care, enhancing both my skills and the quality of care I provide to children with complex neurological needs. With this support, I can pursue advanced training that will help me transition into a Clinical Nurse Specialist role, enabling me to take on a much greater leadership position in patient care and advocacy. This funding would not only advance my career but also directly benefit the children I care for by allowing me to introduce new practices, improve recovery processes, and offer a higher standard of personalised care that can make a lasting difference in their lives.

How did you find out about The Evie Dove Foundation?

Evie Dove was a close patient of ours. The Evie Dove Foundation is very well known to our ward for their incredible contributions to our refurbished parent room and also across our Paediatric service for their passion in helping paediatric professionals with sponsorship for further education in order to help sick children.

Tell us about yourself!

I was in Germany and raised in Southeast London and Kent with my family. In my spare time, I really enjoy being around friends and family, travelling and exploring the world, trying out new restaurants, visiting the theatre, trying out new sport and attending live events. Traveling has been a big part of my life, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few amazing places as a solo traveller. Iceland was an unforgettable experience. It was amazing to meet new people and see life from different perspectives, and it taught me a lot about myself. As for passions, I’d say my biggest ones are connecting with people and making memories, especially if they involve a little bit of adventure!

Anything else you would like to tell us about your experience, future aspirations and motivations?

My experience in paediatric neurosurgery has been incredibly fulfilling and challenging. Working in such a specialised and impactful field has deepened my commitment to making a positive difference in children’s lives. From complex surgical procedures to supporting families through their child’s care journey, each day brings unique experiences that have strengthened my skills and resilience. Paediatric neurosurgery demands precision, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning—qualities that drive me every day. I’m excited to keep developing my skills and contributing to advancements that will benefit my patients and the broader medical community.