Back in November we all assembled at our new AGM venue, the Royal Society of Antiquaries in Piccadilly, to celebrate the achievements of the 2009 winners of the prestigious National Eczema Society awards, presented by Honorary Treasurer, David Rampling and  Trustee, Neroli Wilson with Chief Executive, Margaret Cox

Meeting both old friends and new acquaintances, all bound together by their experience of eczema was, as ever, an uplifting event. It is reassuring to know that we aren’t alone in our fight against the dreaded itch, that there are others on the path beside us and that, together, we are truly stronger.

Fundraiser of the Year - Tracey Dickinson

Seven years ago Tracey volunteered to be the co-ordinator for the sale of NES Christmas cards in the Horsham Combined Charity Christmas card shop. What she has achieved for the Society since then is quite remarkable.

During each eight week Christmas season, Tracey receives at least 30 large boxes of our cards and, every two or three days, week after week, visits the shop to replenish stock and to check on sales. She also telephones us regularly to order further supplies of the best selling lines.

Tracey’s contribution to the NES Christmas Card Project, like many of our supporters, has been huge and she has given countless hours of her time. This is reflected in her brilliant record with total sales reaching over £35,000. 

Through her work as a dermatology nurse, Lucy transforms the way her patients view themselves and manage their eczema. Moreover, she goes far beyond the call of duty in her passion for patient centred care.

In addition to running the Society’s North London support group, Lucy gives her time selflessly, be it organising our busiest information event year on year during National Eczema Week or helping us raise vital funds for the Society – which included joining Margaret and Sheila from Head Office selling NES Christmas cards on a cold and damp Saturday at Archway Market!

Lucy truly deserves public recognition for the support she provides each and every day. She is one in a million and, with the Society being based in Archway, it is a real pleasure to recognise a member of the dermatology team at our local hospital.
 

Local Support Group of the Year: Liverpool

As one of our longest running support groups it was a pleasure to recognise the efforts of the Liverpool team by crowning them support group of the year.

A local lifeline, the group was set up in 1992 by Mike Birch and Heather Driver and is now run by Mike with support from Amanda Moore. It is testimony to the efforts of all involved that the group is still offering invaluable support 18 years later including regular meetings, National Eczema Week events, collections at local supermarkets and table sales at school fairs, local shows and in church halls.