STAR Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding colleagues and teams

22 October 2026

Colleagues and teams from across Velindre University NHS Trust have been recognised and celebrated at the inaugural STAR (Staff Thanks and Recognition) Awards.

The awards highlight the dedication, innovation and compassion demonstrated by staff and volunteers across the Trust, recognising those who go above and beyond to make a difference to patients, donors, service users and colleagues.

Formerly known as the Employee Excellence Awards, the STAR Awards received a record 361 nominations, recognising outstanding contributions from across the Trust.

This included 89 nominations from members of the public for the People's Choice Award and the new Volunteer of the Year Award, giving patients, donors and communities an opportunity to recognise individuals and teams who have made a positive impact on their experiences.

Congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted. Your achievements are a testament to the exceptional people who make the Trust a special place to work, receive care and access services.

 
 

Going the Extra Mile Award

Winner: James Birkett

Shortlisted:

Katie Lewis

Welsh Blood Service Digital Systems Outage Team

Improving Donor Experience Award

Winner: Wrexham Blood Donation Team

Donor Engagement Team

Genetic Haemochromatosis Team

Volunteer of the Year Award

Winner: Ruby Thomas

Shortlisted:

Sofia Dickinson

Tina Moss

Improving Patient Experience Award

Winner: Diana Purnell

Chris Jones

Operational Services Team

Inspiring Others Award

Winner: Kate Hammond

Andrew Harris

Velindre Oncology Academy

Rising Star Award

Winner: Ashley Bowen-Jones

Shortlisted:

Charlotte Owen

Diana Purnell

Team of the Year Award

Winner: South-east Wales (SEW) Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Team

Shortlisted:

Velindre Innovation Team

WHAISIT Team

Quality, Partnership and Sustainability Award

Winner: Genetic Haemochromatosis Team

SHU Team

UK NEQAS H&I and Digital Power Platform Team

Welsh Language Award

Winners: 

Rhiannon Evans

Welsh Blood Service Donor Contact Centre, Welsh Language and Digital Team

Shortlisted:

Velindre Oncology Academy

People's Choice Award

Winners:

Aaron Hague

Clinical Trials Team

James Birkett

Michele Pengelly

Catherine Pembroke

First Floor Ward Team