NRAS Gala Dinner and Champions’ Awards21 September 2022 On September 9th, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) held their 21st Anniversary Gala Dinner and NRAS Champions’ Awards in Windsor at the Castle Hotel. Following the news the day before of Her Majesty’s passing there was much deliberation as to whether to proceed or not. The decision was made that a fitting tribute to The Queen’s magnificent life of service to others was to proceed with a scaled-down event enabling NRAS to acknowledge the NRAS Champions from across the nation. The Dinner and Awards went ahead with success, and it was lovely to see old friends and make new ones. It was a significant milestone in the history of the charity and celebrated the amazing work of our NRAS champions,’ who were nominated by individuals living with RA or JIA . Clare Jacklin, NRAS CEO says ’I’m sure there are many more worthy winners out there working hard to improve the lives of those living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), so while we have identified these marvellous winners, may I suggest that they are representative of the hundreds of hard working, dedicated Volunteers and health professionals across the UK. Thank you to all who go above and beyond to help achieve ‘life without limits for all those with RA or JIA’ Champions’ Award Winners 2022 Individual NRAS Champion Katy Pieris, NRAS Volunteer and Fundraiser Katy has been an exemplary NRAS Member and Volunteer for many years, representing people living with rheumatoid arthritis. She leads the Croydon NRAS Group, as well as being a Here For You telephone support volunteer, and has also been instrumental in setting up and leading on NRAS ‘JoinTogether’ online groups. Katy was nominated for this award for her work in supporting others and raising awareness of RA, as well as being an amazing fundraiser for NRAS; a true inspiration for others with RA to live life without limits. Individual Rheumatology Champion Dr Lizzy MacPhie, Consultant Rheumatologist from the Minerva Centre in Preston, Lancashire Lizzy received two glowing nominations and also impressed the judges with her exemplary work, especially during the pandemic, when she led the Clinical Guidance Group with the British Society for Rheumatology. Individual Paediatric Rheumatology Champions Jenny Wyatt, Paediatric Rheumatology Nurse Specialist, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast “Overall, she has made our arthritis journey much more positive and deserves recognition for this.” says her nominator, a mother of a child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Sam Small, Paediatric Rheumatology Specialist Nurse, Southampton Hospital “Sam will always be a big part of our journey of life with JIA. I will always be grateful,” says her nominator, a mother of a child with JIA. Rheumatology Team Champion Rheumatology Team at East & North Herts NHS Trust, Lister Hospital, Stevenage The multi-disciplinary rheumatology team was nominated by two of their patients. In their nominations they said of the team, “They always listen and make me feel part of the team” and “I feel very supported by this amazing, proactive team. I’m very grateful to be under Jeremy, Fidelma, Alex and whole team’s care”. Paediatric Rheumatology Team Champion Paediatric Rheumatology Team from NHS Highland, based at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness A mother of a child with JIA, said this of the team in her nomination: “While we are remote geographically, the quality of care means we do not feel left out or neglected in any way. As a parent I have appreciated the 24/7 access to information, advice, and care. My daughter, knows them, they know her, and above all the team go above and beyond to promote her well-being”. Congratulations to all our winners, and also to those who were shortlisted.