The applause echoed around the room as the winners wheeled or stepped forward to take their awards at the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) Rebuilding Lives Awards ceremony, on Thursday 5 June 2014. Each recipient in turn said how humbled they felt to be in such company and receiving such an accolade.
Last year the awards honoured women working in the field of spinal cord injury. This year’s awards were given to anyone working in and supporting spinal cord injuries. There was recognition for the inspirational leaders in various medical disciplines including doctors, nurses and therapists.
In addition, awards were given for spinal cord injured people who had helped to inspire others; and although the awards were given to individuals, it was quite clear that everyone was a winner. The sheer fact of having been nominated was endorsement enough.
The event moved to the Hilton Metropole, at the NEC this year. This enabled the guests to stay at the same venue, resulting in some very late night, or should that be early morning partying by some people. The wine flowed copiously and, as Lucy Gannon commented, you could feel “the love”.
Lucy, writer of “The Best of Men” screenplay about Sir Ludwig Guttmann, was a guest on the IM table. She had arranged for Stephen Mangan to host the evening, which he did with boundless enthusiasm, generating much laughter and enjoyment.
IM were delighted to be one of the main sponsors of such a fantastic evening recognising the achievements of so many people. Well done to the SIA for hosting the event and congratulations to all the winners and nominees! We look forward to next year’s inspirational awards, where once again IM will be a proud sponsor.
For further information on the SIA, visit: www.spinal.co.uk
Jamie Rhind from the SIA, Helen Gillian – winner of the Outstanding Healthcare Professional Award, Jane Wright from IM and Simon Pinnell from the SIA
