Our team – they’re the Pride of Reading!

The enthusiasm and devotion of our staff, volunteers – and patients – has been officially honoured.

An afternoon of high emotion at the prestigious Pride of Reading Awards saw the Trust’s team honoured again and again by the town.

No other organisation has ever had as many awards given to its staff at a single event.

TV star Chris Tarrant – himself a Reading lad – hosted the event which is organised by the Reading Post with sponsorship and support from the town’s leading companies.

Consultant Urologist Adam Jones won the Health Worker of the Year category for leading the Robbie the Robot fundraising efforts. Adam has climbed mountains – literally – run half marathons and staged quiz nights for the Robbie appeal. Aside from helping raise many tens of thousands of pounds, Adam and his team have brought national fame to the Trust and our pioneering work in robotic surgery.

Paediatric Nurse Consultant Angie Lee was presented with the Make A Difference award – marking her years of hard work and achievement in changing the way the nation regards road safety. Angie founded the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust which has achieved international praise for its success in saving the lives of many young people by encouraging the use of helmets. The work takes up virtually all of her spare time – Angie has not had a holiday for several years, using the time instead to help promote the vital road safety message.

There was a standing ovation for primary school pupil Matthew Pike when he was named at the Child of Courage winner for 2011-12. Matthew, an oncology patient, volunteered to help other youngsters facing a stay in hospital. He is helping produce and starring in a special film which children will be able to watch prior to coming into the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

With the “expert” help of Matthew, the film gives children a flavour of life in hospital and answers the important questions most youngsters have – from what is the food like and where are the toilets to can Mum or Dad stay with me?

And the list of honours didn’t stop there.

The League of Friends won an award for a joint project they are involved with to run a tea bar in Caversham Court Gardens. Apart from providing a welcome leisure facility for the town, the League’s role in the project helps raise funds for their work in the Trust.