2005 finalists
Catherine Clarke
Catherine is a Senior II Occupational Therapist working in community psychiatry. She was nominated by Mr & Mrs Coles, the parents of Mary – a teenager who suffers from schizophrenia and as a result struggles to be independent. Catherine's unstinting work has been invaluable to Mary, who has made remarkable steps towards leading a more active and rewarding life.
Anne Coomber
Anne is Acting Clinical Specialist based in Folkestone. She was nominated by one of her patients, Edwina Boyt, who suffered horrendous burn injuries in a fire whilst on holiday. Anne’s unstinting work in recent months has enabled Edwina to remain at home with her children against all the odds, rather than be placed in a nursing home.
Gill Houghton
Gill is Senior I Occupational Therapist at a school in Newcastle that offers invaluable support to children with Cerebral Palsy and language difficulties – and was nominated by several children with whom she is currently working. The impression given from the people that nominated her is that nothing is too much trouble for Gill, and she is a true believer in keeping going until a goal is achieved. Much of her time is dedicated to ensuring that children at the school have the necessary equipment to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Meenaxi Shah
Meenaxi is Falls Coordinator. She was nominated by her patient, Josephine Robinson, for the assistance and support she has provided in helping Josephine to lead a more independent and fulfilling life. In addition to ensuring that Josephine had the necessary equipment in her home to guarantee she could access all areas safely, Josephine was also encouraged to attend an exercise class run by Meenaxi.
Liz Williams
Liz is a Senior I Occupational Therapist. She was nominated by Diana Burton, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and referred to a rehabilitation unit when she first met Liz. However, it is for Liz's work in setting up a support unit for those in the area with Parkinson's that has resulted in Liz being nominated. Together, Liz and Diana, with the help of the Parkinson's Disease Society, have set up the Billericay and Wickford Support Club, which now offers advice, support and practical help to sufferers, carers and supporters of those with Parkinson's.
