Cancer support worker recognised with award
A cancer support worker has been awarded a top honour by the BBC.
Estelle Le Galliot, the Macmillan health and well-being co-ordinator at St George’s Hospital in Blackshaw Road, Tooting, has been recognised at this year’s BBC Radio London Make a Difference Awards, for her outstanding work supporting cancer patients throughout the pandemic.
Winning in the key worker category, Estelle was chosen from hundreds of nominations thanks to her dedication to patients, their carers and loved ones despite the numerous challenges posed by Covid.
When the St George’s Macmillan Centre had to close its doors in March 2020, Estelle leapt into action, coming up with a multitude of innovative ways to ensure South Londoners could continue to access vital cancer support.
From launching a YouTube channel to interactive information posters, online laughing yoga sessions to chemotherapy ‘comfort kits’, Estelle went above and beyond in every sense.
Estelle said: “It was such a humbling experience to be recognised. I am so grateful to all the colleagues and friends who supported me and helped so wholeheartedly at a time when we were all challenged in many different ways.
“I feel very privileged to be able to go the extra mile to support our cancer patients and their loved ones at the most difficult time of their lives.”
Janice Minter, St George’s assistant chief nurse, attended the event with Estelle, and said: “Estelle is a pleasure to work with and her passion to improve the experience of those effected by cancer is inspirational.
“It is fabulous that her hard work has been recognised in such an immense way, particularly the amazing work she did during the pandemic, ensuring all our patients had access to support in different ways that suited them”.
The awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Radio London presenters Gaby Roslin and Eddie Nestor, was held at Ronnie Scott’s in Frith Street, Soho, on Wednesday, September 28.
The BBC Make a Difference Awards were created to recognise remarkable people across the country; marking their achievements and the contribution they make to their community.
To find out more about the awards visit: bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
Anyone affected by cancer can contact the St George’s Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre team on 0208 725 2677 or email: cancer.information@stgeorges.nhs.uk; 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Or, you can access Macmillan’s help seven-days-a-week via the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. Or visit the website: macmillan.org.uk
Pictured top: Estelle, second left, with award hosts Gaby Roslin, left, Michael Rosen and Eddie Nestor, right (Picture: BBC Radio London)