Awards and Recognition
Over the past decade, I have been incredibly proud to see the work of the Cauda Equina Champions Charity recognised through a number of awards.
These awards reflect a journey that began after I developed Cauda Equina Syndrome, a life-changing spinal emergency that many people have never heard of until it is too late. That experience led me to raise awareness, support others affected by the condition and work to improve understanding among both the public and healthcare professionals.
While some of these awards have been presented to me personally, they truly represent the work of many people. I have worked with patients, volunteers, clinicians, legal professionals, educators and supporters who have all played a part in helping us raise awareness, share lived experience and push for change.
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and every award reflects that shared commitment.
Awards Timeline
2025 – Charity of the Year
NR Times
In 2025, I was incredibly proud that the Cauda Equina Champions Charity was recognised as Charity of the Year by NR Times. This was a huge honour and reflected the hard work of so many people who have helped us build awareness, support patients and families, and improve understanding of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
2025 – Silver Lifetime Achievement Award
National Business Women’s Awards
In 2025, I was honoured to receive the Silver Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising more than a decade of advocacy, awareness raising and patient-led work to improve understanding of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
2025 – Product Innovation Award
Bladder and Bowel UK Awards
In 2025, I was also proud that the CaudaEquina App received the Product Innovation Award from BBUK. The app was developed to help improve awareness of symptoms, red-flag signs and the need for urgent medical attention.
2024 – Charity of the Year
Pride of Lancashire Awards
In 2024, the Cauda Equina Champions Charity was honoured to receive Charity of the Year at the Pride of Lancashire Awards. This meant so much because it recognised the impact of our work supporting people affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome and raising awareness across the community.
2024 – Lifetime Achievement Award
Pride of Lancashire Awards
Also in 2024, I was deeply honoured to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pride of Lancashire Awards. Although this award was presented to me personally, it reflects the dedication and support of many people I have worked with over the years.
2023 – Best of Lancashire Awards
In 2023, the work of the charity was recognised at the Best of Lancashire Awards, reflecting the growing impact of our awareness and support work across the region.
2022 – People’s Choice Silver Award
Charity Film Awards
In 2022, the film 24 Hours Changed My Life Forever received the People’s Choice Silver Award at the Charity Film Awards. Sharing my story in this way helped bring wider awareness to the life-changing impact of Cauda Equina Syndrome and the importance of recognising the warning signs early.
What These Awards Mean to Me
I am very proud of these recognitions, but for me they are about much more than trophies or titles. They represent the power of people coming together with a shared purpose.
I have worked with many different people to achieve these milestones, people with lived experience, charity supporters, healthcare professionals, educators, legal partners and volunteers. Together, we have worked to make sure that more people understand Cauda Equina Syndrome, recognise the warning signs and get help sooner.
These awards are a celebration of everything we have achieved together, and they motivate me to keep going.