Coeliac UK Awards

So many of you go that extra mile every day to help others and these Awards pay testament to the fantastic work you do, whether as a friend or family member or as a healthcare professional.  There are ten categories to cover the most important contributions.

We are delighted that Dietary Specials, Glutafin, Gluten Free Foods, Juvela, Livwell and Trufree have generously agreed to provide sponsorship for this year's Awards.

The Awards  - something for everyone who contributes

Outstanding Achievement Award

For a person who has shown exceptional commitment in improving the lives of people with coeliac disease, and in doing so, has made a noticeable difference in how the condition is seen, managed and treated.  It recognises a high level of contribution in both time and energy and acknowledges work done to influence national policy on coeliac disease. 

Winner - Rob Strinati, Fairwater Fish and Chip Bar

Rob Strinati runs Fairwater Fish and Chip Bar in Cwmbran, Wales. One day a family came into his fish bar, ordering food for all but the young son. Rob saw the distress caused to the child, who was left out because of health issues, and began working on a way to cater for all.  Fairwater Fish and Chip Bar now serves gluten-free fish and chips all day, every day. All staff know how to prepare gluten-free and a separate fryer is reserved so there is never a problem with cross contamination.

His efforts, dedication and understanding are truly outstanding.

Awareness Raising Champion

The Awareness Raising Champion recognises an individual who has significantly and passionately raised awareness of coeliac disease in line with Coeliac UK campaign aims either locally, nationally or both. This individual will have demonstrably brought about change either with healthcare professionals, the food sector or parliamentarians. This Award celebrates the effort taken to achieve change.

Coeliac UK campaign aims are as follows:
1. To improve the recognition of coeliac disease by healthcare professionals and ensuring subsequent management is of a high quality
2. Access to a wider range of better quality gluten-free products on prescription and in shops
3. To ensure that eating out, for pleasure or need is freed from restrictions

Winner - Helen Pengelly

Since being diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2003, Helen has committed herself to providing support, practical help and a voice for those with coeliac disease and associated illnesses. Passionate about good quality food and frustrated by the difficulties she faced when first embarking on the gluten-free diet, she set-up Johnsons Dietary Provisions Ltd; a highly professional company providing advice on gluten and allergy-free products for all. Helen also makes herself available for radio interviews and news articles, speaking out about difficulties associated with coeliac disease and clearing up many of the misunderstandings about the condition. Her phenomenal level of activity over the past 5 years is testament to her dedication.

Community Champion

The Community Champion is for an individual who, in the delivery of support, care and information to people with coeliac disease, has made a huge contribution locally to people people's lives. This Award celebrates an individual who has acted as a valuable representative for Coeliac UK to Members and is seen as a real champion.

Winner - Muriel Telford

Muriel has been described as the "little star" of the West Cumbria Support Group.  In addition to the active work Muriel does within her local Support Group, from serving refreshments at every meeting, manning a stand at Food Fairs and regularly donating to raffles, it is her work in the community where she most shines. Whenever she is out she takes note of anywhere that offers gluten-free meals and passes this information to others. She regularly visits an elderly housebound lady, taking information and samples, and when working at the hospital she always visited those on the wards to ensure they were eating properly.
Courteous and considerate to the end, Muriel is always thinking of those in her community and how to help them.

Supporting a Family Member

For people with coeliac disease family can make a huge difference in the management of the condition, particularly when it comes to ensuring a gluten-free diet is followed strictly. The Supporting a Family Member Award recognises the care and support given to many of you. It is a great opportunity to say thank you.

Winner - Ruth Paterson and Home Farm Trust Bedfordshire

Home Farm Trust was nominated by the White Family in honour of the tremendous work they carried out for their daughter, Susanna.

The Home Farm Trust (HFT) provides quality support and care for people with learning difficulties and their families across the UK. Susanna, who has coeliac disease, also has Downs Syndrome, thyroid problems and communication difficulties.  Under the care of Ruth Paterson and the "marvellous" staff at HFT, Susanna's care is guaranteed. Cheerful and efficient in all they do they manage Susanna's diet, ensure a ready supply of gluten-free snacks and bread and guarantee that alternative arrangements are made during outings, activities or parties so that Susanna never has to miss out.

Supporting a Friend

The Supporting a Friend Award recognises the care, support and understanding given by an individual to a friend with coeliac disease. You can nominate a friend who has gone the extra mile for you - it may be through providing gluten-free meals regularly, helping with the general management of the condition, even in helping you through the diagnosis process.

Winner - Anne Agapiou

Daisy Pritchard informed Coeliac UK "I cannot imagine life without Anne's friendship and support."  Daisy, who has been blind since the age of 5, was diagnosed with coeliac disease and Sydenham's chorea in 2000. Owing to the great difficulties she experiences shopping, Daisy's dietitian recommended that she contact the local Harrow Support Group. It was through doing so that Daisy met Anne.  Daisy is adament that Anne's friendship and support has had a significant impact on her health. In addition to shopping together, they attend meetings and can often be seen out walking their dogs. Anne does all this whilst also having her own family and career and Daisy feels this makes her a real champion.

Fundraising Champion

Fundraising ensures Groups and Coeliac UK can continue to provide key services and support to Members. The Fundraising Champion recognises an individual or group of individuals who have gone the extra mile to raise valuable funds for Coeliac UK either locally or nationally. It celebrates not only the amount raised but the time, effort and enthusiasm given in order to raise funds through a particular activity.

Winner - Jacquie O'Dea

It took Jacquie O'Dea some 14 years to be diagnosed with coeliac disease, and since diagnosis four years ago, she has shone in her efforts to raise funds and awareness for Coeliac UK.

In 2007 Jacquie started raising funds for Coeliac UK when she signed up for the London 10k run. "The dedication she showed in training for the event, going out nearly every day in all weather for months, reflects her determination to show Coeliac UK in the best possible light." Her efforts certainly paid off, as not only did Jacquie raise almost £700 in sponsorship but completed the run in an impressive 46 minutes 33 seconds.

Young Person of the Year

The Young Person of the Year Award celebrates the time, effort and passion of a younger person in helping to improve the life or lives of people with coeliac disease. This category recognises the work that people up to the age of 16 do for the community and the creativity, energy and commitment they give to help others.

Winner - Amy Packer

Amy Packer, despite only being eight years old, has demonstrated tremendous maturity and been a great help to her family.

After Amy's diagnosis it was agreed that her younger brother Zak would also be tested for coeliac disease. Despite having experienced no symptoms, the results came back positive. Having had no symptoms, Zak found it difficult to accept that he could no longer enjoy the white bread, cakes and biscuits he used to eat. However, with Amy's help and by following her example, Zak has adjusted to the new diet and understands the importance of asking before eating anything new.

GP of the Year

The GP of the Year Award is for a GP to has demonstrated commitment to the diagnosis and/or management of coeliac disease through the provision of information, guidance and support.  It may also be for a GP who has improved their knowledge base and has therefore significantly increased their understanding and awareness of coeliac disease with a view to ensuring higher diagnosis rates in their surgery, or within the profession as a whole.

Winner - Dr Fayyaz Chaudhri

Dr Fayyaz Chaudhri "goes above and beyond the call of duty as a GP".
Dr Chaudhri has been instrumental in bringing the health service and patients with coeliac disease at Maryport Surgery closer together. He keeps up-to-date with research and statistics on coeliac disease and DH, sharing his findings with colleagues.  He has a great understanding of the physical and psychological impact of coeliac disease as he also has the condition.   Dr Chaudhri is quick at picking up possible symptoms and recommending treatment and doesn't question those seeking diagnosis. Ever the professional, Dr Chaudhri provides reassurance and support to the people with coeliac disease under his care.

Dietitian of the Year

Dietitians provide much needed advice and support once you get diagnosed. The Dietitian of the Year Award enables you to thank your dietitian for all the help and advice you have received. It also recognises the work of a dietitian in influencing the local management of coeliac disease.

Winner - Kristina Zaremba

Kristina has continued her fantastic work supporting and advising people with coeliac disease in the Surrey area. She is a superb listener, patient and incredibly welcoming, both of her patients and their partners and family. Sympathetic and helpful, no questions are too silly or anxieties too trivial; she addresses all with true professionalism and clearly knows her subject well.

Kristina was nominated for this award last year, and we are so pleased that her continued high calibre of service is being recognised. We are delighted to announce her as the winner for 2008.

Pharmacist of the Year

The Pharmacist of the Year Award recognises a pharmacist that has really made a difference to the life or lives of people with coeliac disease in a particular area. They may have taken the lead on their area on the management of coeliac disease and influenced local policy, or been key in ensuring the wide range and high quality of gluten-free food available in the pharmacy concerned.

Winner - Louise Cradock

After being diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2005 Diana Hemmings found that Louise was her "lifeline", supporting her as she entered a whole new gluten-free world, previously unknown to her.

Louise is very attentive, helping customers understand prescriptions and the products available to them, whilst also promoting and suggesting products to encourage a wide and varied diet.   Throughout Diana's husband's battle with cancer and after his death, Louise continued to make sure Diana was eating properly, wasn't running low on products and acted as a true friend throughout.