Local cancer survivor commended for efforts in the community

More than 100 guests turned out to the glittering ceremony at Shrewsbury Town’s Greenhous Meadow stadium. The event, organised by the Shropshire Star, is in its eighth year.

BBC Radio Shropshire’s Eric Smith acted as host for the evening, and awards were presented for the Good Neighbour category, Special Young Person, Carer, and Learner.

This year Advantage Healthcare sponsored the award for ‘Courage’ which recognises someone who has overcome adversity, experienced family tragedy, dealt with a huge challenge or tackled something completely new. Despite their situation they may have turned a negative into a positive to help others and make the community a better place.

Competition was tough in the Courage Award category, with nominations for Lucy Lodge who had to learn to speak again after being diagnosed with cancer of the voice box at the age of 25, and Sarah Robertson who has raised nearly £22,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind in memory of her daughter Summer Robertson, who tragically drowned at the age of 21 while taking part in an aid project in South Africa. However, after much deliberation, the crown went to Fiona Smith, 48, from Telford, who after numerous operations for breast cancer set up the Swimming, after Surgery group to give confidence to women who had gone through similar procedures.

Fiona said: “I am overwhelmed, it means so much to be recognised.

“It makes such a difference when you apply for funding when you are recognised in this way. When I saw it in print that I had been nominated for the Courage award, I couldn’t believe it. It also means that other people in a similar position will say ‘if she can do it, so can I’.”

Staff representing IHC at next week’s event will include Advantage Healthcare Managing Director Rob Kellett, Telford Branch Manager Jon Harris, Branch Consultant (Telford) and Communications Coordinator, Yasmin Chandar.

Sarah Cope, Head of Marketing said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring an award that sits so close to our hearts, as well as supporting an important event within our local community. We really do recognise the importance of the extraordinary individuals who have experienced hardship or overcome a personal challenge in our community”.