The Christie Colleague Annual Awards 2024

Following nominations, shortlisting and judging, the results of the 2024 Christie Colleague Awards were announced on Thursday 10 October 2024 at a ceremony in the Auditorium, attended by our finalists and their nominators.

Hosted by Chief Executive Roger Spencer and Non-executive Director Tarun Kapur, the evening was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate some of the fantastic staff we have here at The Christie.

Congratulations to all our winners and finalists and thank you to all those who came along - including the patients who nominated our staff in the special 'Act with Kindness' award.

Clinical team of the year

Finalists

  • Gynae brachytherapy pathway team
  • Ambulatory care team
  • Heather Williams and team

Winner

Ambulatory care team: The team developed innovative ways to deliver chemotherapy to patients at home, improving patient experience and freeing up hospital beds.

A photo of the ambulatory care team at The Christie receiving their Christie Colleague Award from Christie Chief Executive Roger Spencer.

Behind the scenes team of the year

Finalists

  • Engagement, organisational development (OD) and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) team
  • Digital clinical implementers team
  • Radiotherapy engineering and dosimetry

Winner

Digital clinical implementers team: The team has been dedicated to exploring innovative solutions, improving processes, and supporting staff with digital changes.

A photo of the digital clinical implementers team at The Christie receiving their Christie Colleague Award from Christie Chief Executive Roger Spencer.

Inspiring leader of the year

Finalists

  • George Stewart
  • Liz Perry
  • Sarah Welby

Winner

George Stewart: George has shown exceptional leadership as Radiotherapy Engineering Manager, tackling challenges with resolve while inspiring his team and completing a part-time degree.

A photo of George Stewart receiving his Christie Colleague Award from Christie Chief Executive Roger Spencer.

Learner of the year

Finalists

  • Danielle Watson
  • Danielle Chadderton
  • Gemma Butterworth

Winner

Gemma Butterworth: Gemma achieved a distinction in her masters in Advanced Clinical Practice and has been applying her skills to improve patient management in her new role.

A photo of Gemma Butterworth receiving her Christie Colleague Award from Christie Non-executive Director Tarun Kapur.

Contribution to equality and diversity

Finalists

  • Leone Alexander
  • Rhianna Hawkins
  • Youth support co-ordination team

Winner

Rhianna Hawkins: Rhianna excelled in managing the protected characteristics project board, driving improvements in patient demographic data collection and developing a new patient form that launched in September.

Innovation and improvement award

Finalists

  • The Christie at Oldham
  • Head and neck cancer Allied Health Professionals (AHP) team
  • Kira Williams

Winner

Head and neck cancer AHP team: The team has worked hard to improve services for head and neck cancer patients, creating AHP-led clinics that enhance patient care and reduce emergency admissions.

A photo of the head and neck cancer AHP team at The Christie receiving their Christie Colleague Award from Christie Non-executive Director Tarun Kapur.

Living our values

Finalists

  • Referrals and booking reception team
  • Dr. Tim Cooksley
  • Outpatients team, department 22

Winner

Dr. Tim Cooksley: Dr. Cooksley was chosen for his dedication, professionalism, and compassionate approach to patient care.

Gerry Egan accepting a Christie Colleague Award on behalf of Dr. Tim Cooksley from Christie Non-executive Director Tarun Kapur.
Gerry Egan accepting the award on behalf of Dr. Tim Cooksley

Sustainability

Finalists

  • Phil Walker
  • Experimental cancer medicine team
  • Day nursery (Eco garden)

Winner

Experimental cancer medicine team: The team reduced waste in clinical trials by donating excess supplies to clinics in Africa, contributing significantly to the Trust’s sustainability efforts.

A photo of the experimental cancer medicine team at The Christie receiving their Christie Colleague Award from Christie Non-executive Director Tarun Kapur.

Lifetime achievement award in recognition of Professor Derek Crowther

Winner

Professor Gordon Jayson: Professor Jayson has made a lasting impact on cancer research and education at The Christie, leading key studies and mentoring many colleagues.

A photo of Professor Gordon Jayson receiving his Christie Colleague Award from Christie Chief Executive Roger Spencer.

Act with kindness (patient-nominated award)

Finalists

  • Dr. Horne, Prof. Faivre Finn, Maria and the lung team  — nominated by relative Christina McDonald for the care and compassion they gave her late father.
  • Lisa Watmough  — nominated by patient Petrina Powell, who said “she is often the sunshine at the end of an email or phone call.”
  • Dr. Richard Berman — nominated by his patient, Helen Hyndman for always reassuring her and putting her at ease.

Winner

Dr. Richard Berman: Nominated by his patient, Helen Hyndman, Dr. Berman has been recognised for his compassionate care, dedication, and life-changing support.

A photo of Dr. Richard Berman receiving his Christie Colleague Award from Christie Chief Executive Roger Spencer and his patient, Helen Hyndman.

On the evening, Helen was kind enough to join us and she shared some words on the impact of Dr. Berman's care. Helen said: "In my mind, there is no-one more deserving of this award than Richard, he goes above and beyond, far more than I would expect from a consultant. Richard saved my life, and he continues to give me hope and courage for the future - there is no greater impact than that!"

You can read Helen's story in our press release.

Last updated: October 2024