The winner of The Christie’s You Made A Difference Award for July 2022 is Velmore Smith-Feran, a ward hostess on the Palatine ward.

The following comments were made about Velmore in the nominations. Judges picked her out as a very deserving winner and said that the comments made about her showed how she represents The Christie principles and behaviours.

“Velmore has been working at The Christie as a ward hostess for several years and is one of the pillars of the Palatine ward. She serves food and snacks to our haematology and teenage and young adult (TYA) patients, encouraging them to have a full portion with an iconic 'baby girl' or 'baby boy'.
“I feel Velmore was nominated for this award as she always works in a professional manner that is always approachable and easily builds rapport with the patients.
“Velmore is a lovely and hardworking individual that enjoys going to the bingo with her family and friends and has a Caribbean food venture on the side, making amazing Jamaica cake that the ward looks forward to eating.
“Well done Val for getting this award, a job well done!”

  - V​icky Bates, sister and manager

“What can I say about Val… she runs the ward. And the ward is not the same on her days off.
“She is amazing! She makes the best brews and seems to know whether you need a little or large portion of food. She never quibbles when you can’t eat. She knows I want a brew when I press that buzzer (brews magically appear).
“She is always happy and cheerful, with a beaming smile. Val is the best. She’s my hidden hero from the kitchen.”

  - Flynn Gardiner, patient

Has a staff member, team or volunteer at The Christie gone above and beyond in their work? You can nominate them for the monthly You Made a Difference Award.