In the run up to next month’s CHuFT Awards our finalists are sharing their thoughts on what it meant to hear they were selected. This week it’s the turn of the Putting People First category.

Our finalists are:

• Amanda (Mandy) Davies, Macmillan Cancer Information Assistant Manager: Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Services
• CHFT Volunteers: Volunteering
• Gemma Stokes, Senior Occupational Health Assistant: Occupational Health
• John James (Andrew), Transport Co-ordinator: CHS, Transport Services
• Paula Cowgill, Paediatric Cardiology Nurse Specialist: Children’s Cardiology

Mandy (pictured bottom, right) said: “To say I was a tad surprised is possibly the biggest understatement ever. I am very grateful and extremely touched that people took the time to nominate me. Speechless - and I tend to talk lot, so to be lost for words it is rare but it was a lovely surprise.

“Thank you to our amazing colleagues within all the cancer teams who I have the privilege to work alongside every day. I could not do what I do without them. I have never been to the CHuFT Awards so it will be a huge honour to be part of an event to celebrate everyone's achievements. Good luck to all!”

Gemma (pictured bottom, left) said: “After almost 23 years of working in the Trust, finding out I'd been shortlisted was the first time I have ever been stunned into silence (ha ha). I was completely shocked as I really didn't think for a minute I would be. It was extra special too as the shortlisted names were released on my birthday!

“I'm looking forward to attending the awards event with my husband Steve Stokes, who is a senior ODP in Theatre at CRH and who was nominated in the Compassionate Leader category. Whilst he wasn't shortlisted, it will be lovely to celebrate our achievements together.”

Andrew (pictured top, left) said: “I felt truly honoured to just be nominated so to then be a finalist was beyond my expectations. I have been with the Trust for 16 years and I've always tried to be helpful, professional and smile. The journey between HRI and CRH has been challenging at times, and I try to therefore make it a pleasant one. Smiles and laughter go a long way towards that”. 

And Paula (pictured top, right) added: “I was completely shocked by my initial nomination and blown away to have been short listed. I am fairly new to the Trust so to be recognised for my day-to-day work makes me incredibly proud.”

Below is a list of all colleagues who were nominated in the Putting People First category: