St. George's Staff Member Wins BBC Key Worker Award
Estelle Le Gaillot honoured for supporting cancer patients at the Macmillan Centre
Estelle Le Galliot supports a patient remotely
A cancer support worker based at St. George's Hospital has been awarded a top honour by the BBC.
Estelle Le Galliot, the Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Coordinator at the Tooting hospital, 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 "whatever it takes" attitude and determination to be there for local cancer 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 came up with numerous innovative ways to ensure patients in the area could continue to access vital cancer support. From launching a YouTube channel to interactive information posters, online laughing yoga sessions to chemotherapy 'comfort kits', the judges decided that she 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, who attended the event with Estelle, added, "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 MBE, was held at the legendary Ronnie Scott's on Wednesday 28 September. Estelle was presented her award by author and broadcaster Michael Rosen.
Estelle with Gaby Roslin and Michael Rosen
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.
Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England, said, "We are delighted to announce the winners of these wonderful awards, which celebrate those individuals who have gone above and beyond, what most of us expect from people. In a world where the news can often be quite bleak, it is a way of showing off the best of people. We have really enjoyed hearing their stories and sharing them with our listeners."
Anyone affected by cancer in South West London 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 7 days a week via the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. Or visit the website: macmillan.org.uk.
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October 25, 2022