University news

Tessa Holyoake, Director of the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre and Professor of Experimental Haematology at the university, last night won prestigious recognition for her considerable efforts in cancer care and research.

Winning the Cancer Care Team Award at the Scottish Health Awards, Professor Holyoake, said she was honoured to receive the accolade.

Prof Holyoake, who is also the Research Convenor of the Division of Cancer Sciences and Molecular Pathology, said: "I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all who work at the University of Glasgow's Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre. I’d also like to thank the clinical research team and the NHS staff at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre for all their hard work and commitment.
 
"Many thousands of lives are affected by Leukaemia in Scotland, which is why the work we do in furthering our understanding of the disease and ITS treatment is so crucial.

"On behalf of all staff, I would like to thank the Scottish Government and the Daily Record for hosting the awards, and, of course, the judges who have honoured us with this award."

Dr Kevin Hanretty, a Senior Clinical Teacher in Reproductive and Maternal medicine at Glasgow, was also successful in winning an award.

Dr Hanretty, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Western Infirmary, won an award for Women and Children's Health Services.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Secretary, added: "The winners of this year’s Scottish Health Awards have been recognised for making a special contribution to healthcare. With over 300 nominations received across 17 award categories, many of these from patients and the public, it is no doubt that there is a great affection for NHS Scotland and those who work in it. All nominations showcased excellent examples of personal commitment, innovation and excellence. I would like to congratulate the winners and the runners up for their enthusiasm and commitment to improving patient care in Scotland."

The Scottish Health Awards are organised by the Scottish Government and the Daily Record newspaper. The ceremony, held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, was hosted by Jackie Bird, the BBC journalist and television presenter.

Prof Holyoake was shortlisted in the Cancer Care category along with Janice Watt of the Easterhouse Health Centre and Shanne McNamara of Edinburgh Western General Hospital.

She was nominated by a grateful patient from Hamilton who was given up to five years to live after being diagnosed with cancer.  His nomination captured the hearts of the judges as he described her as an ‘angel’ and spoke of how he and many others around the world owe their life to Prof Holyoake.

The Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre was opened by Dr Richard Rockefeller in May 2008.

The University of Glasgow launched the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre campaign in 2002, in conjunction with the charity Leukaemia Research and Children with Leukemia in order to build the Centre.

The £3million centre, fitted out with the latest technology, allows cancer and biomedical specialists to translate laboratory findings into new treatments for patients.

The centre is names after Paul O’Gorman, who tragically lost his battle with Leukaemia aged just 14. Paul’s parents, Eddie & Marion, set up the charity Children with Leukaemia.

For more media information please contact Eleanor Cowie, Media Relations Officer on Telephone: 0141 330 3683 or Email: e.cowie@admin.gla.ac.uk

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First published: 12 November 2009