90-year-old volunteer and charity fundraiser among award winners | Latest news

NHS staff who have gone above and beyond, such as 90-year-old volunteer, Margaret Wildgust and dedicated charity fundraiser, Andy Lunn, who were celebrated at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) People First Recognition Awards last night. 

Margaret, a Meet and Greet volunteer at City Hospital, has been volunteering for 19 years. She celebrated her 90th birthday this year and is as committed to her volunteer role as she ever was. 

After winning the Volunteer Award, Margaret said: “It is just amazing, I am overwhelmed. Getting a bus named after me, I can’t believe that! 

“I love the job because I love people and it brings me so much joy! Sponsors of the volunteer award, Nottingham City Transport, will also be naming one of their buses after Margaret. 

Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, Andy, has recently completed a 500-mile cycle around Kidney Lake in Canada raising £5,000 for Nottingham Hospitals Charity. He has inspired many patients, staff and families by sharing his story and challenges on social media. He is also leading a campaign to raise £40,000 for the children's kidney unit’s 40th anniversary, inspiring staff and patients to join in. 

Last night he was crowned the charity champion and said: “I feel very humbled and honoured to have won. Everything we do is for our patients. We are always doing our best to support our patients practically or through the money we have raised. 

“We are going to continue to build the charity fund for all the amazing trips we put on like residentials and the transplant games.” 

Throughout the night, awards were handed out to recognise both teams and individuals who have gone above and beyond to deliver high quality, compassionate care to our patients across 13 categories including Hidden Gem, Outstanding Team, Patient Experience, Rising Star and the Chief Executive’s Award - our newest award. 

The Chief Executive’s Award celebrates individuals or teams across NUH who have made exceptional contributions and exemplify our Trust values. Bryant Hose, Linen Services Assistant, won our new award for being the embodiment of kindness and dedication. Though his role is behind the scenes, his impact is deeply felt. 

The event at Colwick Hall in Nottingham was hosted by Emma Caldwell, local radio and TV presenter, and included a performance from Vicky McClure's Our Dementia Choir. 

Other winners included the Children's Renal Team for their outstanding care to long term patients and the Security Team for their commitment to patient and staff safety. 

Anthony May, Chief Executive of NUH, said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners of our People First Recognition Awards. We have received a record number of nominations this year from both colleagues and the public. It has been humbling to hear the stories that have inspired people to vote. 

“The Awards ceremony is a culmination and celebration of the fantastic work, over the past year at Nottingham University Hospitals.” 

The full list of winners:

• The Charity Champion Award winner is Andy Lunn, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist.
• The Hidden Gem Award winner is Eve Thornton, Speciality PA and Team Leader.
• The Inclusion Award winner is Andy Steggles, Patient Experience Officer.
• The Innovation Award winner is our General Surgery Team.
• The Inspirational Leader Award winner is Sue Bull, Sexual Health Sister.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Dr Liz Marder, Consultant Community Paediatrician.
• The Chief Executive’s Award winner is Bryant Hose, Linen Services Assistant.
• The Outstanding Team Award winner is our Security Team.
• The Partnership Award winner is our Pharmacy Medicines Finance Team.
• The Patient Experience Award winner is Hannah Bradbury, Neuroendocrine Nurse Specialist.
• The Public Award winner is the Children's Renal Team.
• The Rising Star Award winner is Liz Shipman, Paediatric ENT Nurse.
• The Volunteer Award winner is Margaret Wildgust.

If you would like to thank and recognise any of our staff members, please consider nominating them for our Public Award via our website.