MOONDANCE Cancer Initiative has recognised an individual from North Wales for her outstanding achievements at Wales’ first cancer awards.

Jackie Pottle, from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), has been named as the winner of the Emerging Leader award for the non-medical and nursing category at the Moondance Cancer Awards.

As the Macmillan Allied Health Professional (AHP) Cancer Lead for BCUHB, Jackie was awarded the accolade for her demonstration of compassionate and strategic leadership, aligning the roles of the AHPs with nursing colleagues to successfully support rehabilitation of patients across the cancer pathway.

The Moondance Cancer Awards aim to celebrate and spotlight people across NHS Wales and its partners who have maintained and innovated cancer services despite the extraordinary circumstances of the last two years.

Jackie said: “I’m really surprised to have been given this award, but also extremely proud to able to represent the allied health professionals across Wales, all of whom do an incredible job day in day out.

“I really do feel like I’m accepting this award on behalf of all of Wales’ AHPs and I’m honoured for the privilege.”

READ MORE:

Denbighshire and Bangor heroes recognised by Police and Crime Commissioner at Deganwy awards

Prestatyn man who assaulted two women in Rhuddlan handed unpaid work

Jail for ‘arrogant’ antivaxxer who caused £11,000 of damage in Llandudno and St Asaph

This year’s winners were selected by a judging panel of experts and leaders within health care including:

• Professor Tom Crosby, Cancer Clinical Director for Wales;

• Professor Lord Darzi, Director of the Institute for Global Health Innovation, Imperial College;

• Claire Birchall, Director of Wales Cancer Network;

• Professor Jared Torkington, Clinical Director for Moondance Cancer Initiative.

Moondance Cancer Initiative exists to find, fund and fuel brilliant people and brave ideas to make Wales a world leader in cancer survival.

There are currently 18 active projects being funded by the Initiative across Wales including the expansion of the Rapid Diagnosis Centre in Swansea Bay and the introduction of transnasal endoscopy.

Dr Megan Mathias, chief executive of Moondance Cancer Initiative, said: “The awards were created to both celebrate and thank the people who have dedicated their time to improving and pioneering detection, diagnosis and treatment pathways across cancer services in Wales.

“We hope that by shining a spotlight on these people, we can help inspire tomorrow's solutions for survival.

“We’re so pleased that so many people from across health care in Wales came to celebrate with us.

“These awards really showcase that improvement is both possible and is happening across Wales’ cancer services.

“At Moondance, we find, fund and fuel brilliant people with brave ideas to improve cancer outcomes for Wales.

“If you, or your team, is interested in discussing an idea, please get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you.”

For more information, visit: moondance-cancer.wales.