Hospital Services

NHS staff honoured at London Awards Ceremony

Pioneering and vital healthcare staff celebrated together

We celebrated the remarkable achievements of five outstanding individuals and teams at our annual Health Play Awards 2025 London ceremony. 

The event at the Science Gallery, part of King’s College London, shone a light on those whose work is creating lasting, positive change for children undergoing healthcare treatment across the UK. 

This year’s awards and awards evening was made possible by Starlight’s long-term supporter TV Dragon Theo Paphitis and his national retail business Ryman – our Headline Sponsor. 

Special guests included Paul Lindley OBE, founder of baby and children’s organic food range, Ella’s Kitchen and campaigner for children’s welfare and rights. 

Protectors of Play

The awards have four categories but this year Starlight had joint winners for the Protector of Play Award which recognises healthcare professionals who are championing play, even though it might not be in their official job description. The joint winners this year are: 

Tania Sparks, Project Manager of the NHS South West Surgery in Children Operational Delivery Network and her team, was selected for spreading the word about the benefits of play for all paediatric hospital treatments and procedures across the south west region and nationally. (Kirsten Lawton, Director and Group Company Secretary at Theo Paphitis Retail Group [TPRG] which includes Ryman, presented Tania with her award)

Anaesthetic nurse

Raquel Duncombe  an anaesthetic nurse in emergency surgery at the Princes Royal University Hospital, in Orpington, London, was selected for using Starlight resources and playful techniques to calm young patients. Her work is also influencing theatre colleagues, making procedures run more smoothly, reducing stress for the patient, their families and staff. (Raquel is pictured with Dr Krutika Pau, Starlight Deputy CEO and Director of Children's Services)

Mentor of the Year

Debbie Daniels, Senior Health Play Specialist at Poole Hospital Dorset, was selected for ensuring the healing power of play is available to future generations of children in healthcare through her exceptional work guiding and developing future professionals in the field.  (Debbie is pictured with Ellen Duke, an awards judge and Deputy Director of Children & Young People's Nursing at NHS England)

Health Play Specialist of the Year 

Leanne Gowland, a Durham Children’s Continence Play Specialist was selected for her pioneering work supporting children with bladder and bowel difficulties, preventing hospital admissions and protecting mental health.  (Aiden Bennett from our Youth Panel presented Leanne with her award)

Play Team of the Year

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Play Team was selected for their instrumental role in the successful move of a children’s inpatient ward to its new Midland Metropolitan hospital site and their work across the trust relaying valuable insights to medical teams and supporting children from diverse and deprived communities.  

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight

“These awards are much deserved recognition of the compassion, creativity, and determination of expert people working to improve the experiences of children undergoing treatment across the UK. Our winners embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our vision - that no child experiences trauma in healthcare.   

 “Sadly though, their award-winning work isn’t experienced by all children. Most hospitals still have no budget for play and the majority of health play professionals say that they are completely dependent upon Starlight for resources and support. 

"Thanks to our funders and fundraisers, we already support 900 settings across the UK, but there's much more to be done. It's been very special to celebrate with the community of people who help us in every way with our mission to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.  

“We are also incredibly grateful to our Headline Event Sponsor and long-term partner, Ryman for generously supporting the awards and awards evening and helping to make it possible.”  

“Events like this remind us why the Starlight community is truly special. The support we all give - whether through time, fundraising, raising awareness, or acknowledging the amazing work the incredible health play professionals do – is a no-brainer. It’s vital, powerful, and it changes lives. 

“We are proud to support Starlight in their mission to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare, making life that little bit easier during treatment for children and their families.” - Theo Paphitis, Chairman of Ryman