Ivan Cobham is the winner of The Christie’s You Made a Difference Award for May 2025.
The following comments were made about Ivan in the May nominations. Judges picked him out as a very deserving winner and said that the comments made about him showed how he represents The Christie values and behaviours.
“Ivan joined the Trust in May 2022 as a healthcare assistant, and subsequently started his current role as an activity coordinator in September 2024. This was a new role on our medical inpatient wards, providing additional support for patients. Ivan facilitates and coordinates activities for patients who may require support with their wellbeing whilst an inpatient in the form of distraction activities. These are often arts, crafts, games, and tools that support the patient’s wellbeing.
“Ivan works tirelessly on every shift to ensure patients are supported. He is kind-hearted and has a gentle nature, able to build up a rapport and relationship with patients so that they are supported whilst an inpatient. He always comes up with innovative and creative ideas of how to support the patients. He thoroughly deserves this award – he has only been in the role for 9 months, and as it was a new role he has created it and developed so that he is now invaluable to the Trust. We need an Ivan on every ward!
“Ivan is a kind, caring and compassionate individual, who consistently displays The Christie values. He has always had a keen interest in mental health, and support for those suffering from mental health conditions and dementia. Ivan is currently renovating a house in his spare time, and interestingly once worked as a sous chef!”
- Lorna Brown, Deputy Divisional Head of Nursing (Clinical support and specialist surgery)
“Facing a long stay in hospital with my mental health at rock bottom, I was not going to cope. I was quickly introduced to Ivan. His gentle, enthusiastic, friendly yet professional manner with suggestions of creative activities helped me to be in the moment, escape the clinical environment for a little while and give my long days in hospital some purpose.
