Celebrating Excellence at the 2026 Healthcare Champions Awards05 October 2026 On 2 October, NRAS was delighted to bring together healthcare professionals, patients, supporters and partners to celebrate the 2026 NRAS Healthcare Champions Awards, recognising those individuals who make an extraordinary difference to the lives of people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The awards are particularly meaningful because they are driven by patient nominations. Every nomination tells a story of compassion, dedication and exceptional care, highlighting healthcare professionals who consistently go above and beyond in supporting patients and their families. This year’s awards evening was a celebration not only of the winners, but of the remarkable commitment shown by rheumatology professionals across the UK. More than 100 nominations were received, each reflecting the positive impact that healthcare teams have on the lives of people navigating the challenges of living with inflammatory arthritis. Peter Foxton, NRAS CEO, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by healthcare professionals to the lives of individuals living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. It was incredibly difficult to select the winners from over a hundred nominations, each of which demonstrated the commitment and dedication to excellent patient care shown by healthcare professionals in rheumatology departments across the UK.” At a time when healthcare professionals face increasing pressures, workforce challenges and growing demand for services, the stories shared through the nominations were a powerful reminder of the dedication that exists within rheumatology care. Time and again, patients described individuals who had gone the extra mile, offering not only expert clinical care but also empathy, reassurance and unwavering support. The Healthcare Champions Awards exist to recognise those professionals who make a lasting difference. Whether through innovative approaches to care, advocacy on behalf of patients, or simply taking the time to listen and provide support when it matters most, the nominees demonstrated the profound impact that outstanding healthcare can have on people’s lives. The awards evening was an opportunity to pause and celebrate these achievements, acknowledging the many healthcare professionals who continue to rise above the challenges facing the NHS and wider healthcare system to deliver exemplary care for people living with RA and JIA. NRAS extends its congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists, and it’s sincere thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination. Their stories are a testament to the skill, compassion, and commitment that can be found in rheumatology departments across the UK. NRAS would also like to thank the following companies who provided hands-off funding to support this event: Alfasigma UK Ltd., Calea UK Ltd., First Tracks Biotherapeutics Inc. and Personal Homecare Pharmacy Ltd The 2026 award winners: Rheumatology Team Champions Imperial College NHS Trust University Hospital Lewisham Paediatric Rheumatology Team Champions Sheffield Children’s Hospital Individual Rheumatology Champions Sharon Pearson (specialist nurse from Lister Hospital, Herts) Dr Amy Wright (GP from Sheffield) Lauren Afflick (specialist nurse from Minerva Health Centre, Preston) Leah Irungu (lead rheumatology nurse from University Hospital Lewisham) Victoria MacDonald (occupational therapist from Ross Memorial Hospital, NHS Highland) Individual Paediatric Rheumatology Champion Dr Daniel Hawley (consultant paediatric & adolescent rheumatologist, Sheffield Children’s Hospital) Individual Rheumatology Champion – Apni Jung Dr Kanta Kumar (Associate Professor, University of Birmingham) As this years awards coincided with the 25th Anniversary of NRAS, we also took the opportunity to recognise some of the people who have supported us across the lifetime of the organisation: Professor Gabriel Panayi Sue Oliver – Nurse Consultant (retired), FRCN, OBE Professor David Scott