NORTH EAST star of stage and screen Jimmy Nail helped local cancer charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) to celebrate brave carers in the region at their annual Care Awards this Saturday.
Children, adults, nurses and carers came together on Saturday 18 November at Gateshead’s Marriott Hotel to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work, love and selflessness they give to those suffering from cancer.
The awards night saw 15 local heroes recognised, including individuals who are currently undergoing treatment and some who have beaten cancer, alongside those who have put their own lives on hold to look after a loved one battling the disease.
Founder and CEO of FACT, Joanne Smith, said: “It’s important for those who care for patients and loved ones to be recognised for the hard work and support they give day in, day out. Without these heroes, those going through treatment would struggle, both physically and emotionally.
“Here at FACT, we welcome everyone who walks through the door with open arms, and offer personalised support to everyone from a child as young as three who has lost their mother, to elderly gentlemen living alone.
“The Care Awards is the perfect opportunity to come together, celebrate, and enjoy those significant people in our lives. It was an incredibly emotional evening that celebrated the lives and outstanding contributions of these remarkable people. The memory of all those beaming smiles is something that will stay with me for many years to come.”
The night was hosted by TV presenter Kim Inglis, with special guest and patron of FACT Jimmy Nail presenting the awards to the following outstanding individuals:
Marion Etherington
Connor Smith
Cecil Bolam
Rachel Connelly Fielding
Debra Taylor
Barbara Stubbings & Linda Tranter
Brenda Davidson
Sue Parker
Gertie Graham
Danielle Johnson
Kasie Leigh Newman
Nursing Team from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chemotherapy Unit
The Care Awards was supported by a number of sponsors including Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, Newcastle Gateshead Marriott Hotel, Sintons Law, Meldrum Construction Services Ltd, Lowes, Insurance With, First Aid North East, Dean Taxis, Laverick Walton, Santander, Penny Print and The Rutherford Cancer Centre.
Mike Moran, chief executive officer of The Rutherford Cancer Centres, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the awards this year, it’s a great way to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who have gone that extra mile to make a patients’ cancer journey a bit more bearable.
“A cancer service isn’t complete without the additional support of family or friends who help the patient through the day to day and this is a rare opportunity to share their stories and say thank you.”
For support or advice if you’re living with cancer, or if you’re a friend or family member who will benefit from support, please contact FACT on 0191 442 0833 or go to www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk. To make a donation please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fact-cancersupport