Health Minister was delighted to invite
nominees from Northern Ireland who were recognised in Sarcoma
UK's 2025 Shining Star Awards to a meeting in Stormont.
The awards celebrate excellence in sarcoma care, advocacy and
patient support across the UK.
The meeting, held in Parliament Buildings provided an opportunity
to acknowledge the exceptional contribution made by individuals
and organisations from Northern Ireland who were nominated across
four national award categories. The Shining Star Awards ceremony
took place at Tower Bridge, London in November 2025.
Northern Ireland nominees recognised in Sarcoma UK's 2025 Shining
Star Awards included:
- Sarcoma Support Group Champion of the Year (public vote) The
Boom Foundation, which received the award – Leona
O'Neill MBE, Founder
- Young Sarcoma Voice of the Year (public vote) – Carly Wilson
- Healthcare Professional of the Year – Sandra McAllister,
Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Regional Multidisciplinary Team
Lead for Sarcoma
- Political Voice of the Year – Minister
Health Minister, said: “The nominees recognised
by Sarcoma UK have truly inspiring stories. Whether through
clinical leadership, tireless advocacy or compassionate support
for patients and families, each has made an extraordinary
contribution. Their work shines a light on what can be achieved
when expertise, commitment and lived experience come together to
improve care and raise awareness of sarcoma across Northern
Ireland and beyond.”
Nominee Sandra McAllister, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and
Regional Multidisciplinary Team Lead for Sarcoma, based at the
Ulster Hospital, Dundonald and who was nominated for Healthcare
Professional of the Year, said: “It is a real honour to be
recognised by Sarcoma UK alongside so many dedicated colleagues
and advocates. Sarcoma care relies on strong multi-disciplinary
working and on the voices of patients and families being heard. I
am proud of the progress being made in Northern Ireland and
grateful for the continued commitment to improving outcomes for
people affected by this rare cancer.”
Carly Wilson, nominated for Young Sarcoma Voice of the Year, was
unable to attend the meeting as she is currently overseas for
work. Diagnosed with a rare sarcoma in her teens, she has used
her platform as Miss World Northern Ireland and as a Sarcoma UK
Ambassador to raise awareness nationally and internationally.
The Boom Foundation, established in 2013, is the only charity in
Northern Ireland dedicated solely to supporting people affected
by sarcoma. It has raised over £1.1 million to support research,
patient services and specialist nursing posts within Northern
Ireland.
Sarcoma UK's Healthcare Professional Engagement Lead Sam Hackett
said: "We were delighted to see Minister Nesbitt take the
time to celebrate these exceptional nominees from Northern
Ireland. He has himself been a strong advocate for better care
for sarcoma patients. Sarcoma UK's Shining Star Awards shine a
light on the people who are making a real difference in the
sarcoma community. Sandra McAllister's clinical leadership, Carly
Wilson's powerful advocacy as Miss World Northern Ireland, and
The Boom Foundation's incredible fundraising efforts demonstrate
what can be achieved when healthcare professionals, patients and
dedicated charities work together."
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can affect any part of the body.
Around 5,900 people are diagnosed with sarcoma in the UK each
year, with approximately 100 diagnoses annually in Northern
Ireland. Northern Ireland delivers sarcoma services through a
coordinated regional model aligned with specialist centres across
the UK.
