Celebrating our work: Highlights from the 2025 Foundation Staff Awards

The evening brought together colleagues from across Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation and our routes to impact, including, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Evelina London, Guy’s Cancer Charity, and Impact on Urban Health.

The event, as well as being a celebration of our own talent, invited high-energy performances and contributions from some of the best of South London.

• South London Samba setting the tune for a joyful evening.
• Miss Yankey’s spoken word performance was a demonstration of empowerment, of using voices for good and a celebration of self-development.

The awards are all about celebrating and upholding our values of Enterprising, Collaborative, Delivery-minded, and Inclusive.

With six award categories and nominations open to all colleagues, this year’s event got to spotlight just a few examples of the great work that happens across the Foundation, some of which might otherwise go unseen.

“I was delighted to bring our staff together to celebrate our work and values yesterday evening.

Congratulations to our award winners, and 130+ nominees, for their fantastic work, I’m so proud of how they and our wider colleagues live our values. Thank you for everything you all do to make a real difference.”

– Laurie Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation

Here are our brilliant winners…

Enterprising Spirit Award

Awarded to an individual who brought new energy and imagination to their work, this year’s winner demonstrated bold thinking and a willingness to test ideas that led to meaningful change. Presented by our Vice-Chair, Julia Palca.

🏆 Winner: Gabrielle Allen

Here is what colleagues who nominated Gabby had to say:

“Gabrielle has demonstrated exceptional creativity and boldness in shaping Impact on Urban Health’s new approach to participation. The impact of her enterprising spirit is already evident. Her work is not only changing Impact on Urban Health – it is laying the foundation for a more participatory and equitable funding model across the system.”

Collaborative Champions Award

This team-based award celebrated outstanding cross-organisational collaboration, where different voices and expertise came together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Presented by Professor Graham Lord of King’s Health Partners.

🏆 Winner: Snowsfield Quarter Development planning team

Here is what colleagues who nominated the Snowsfield Quarter Development planning team had to say:

“This team has worked tirelessly to get the Snowfield Quarter Development to Council Planning Submission. This has involved not only cross functional team working within the Foundation but also collaboration with a huge number of partners, stakeholders and the wider community…”

Inclusive Culture Award

Recognising an individual who has taken real steps to promote inclusivity in our organisation or in our work, this award highlights the value of difference and the power of advocacy. Presented by Andrea Antolin, Kin & Co.

🏆 Winner: Louis Vine

Here is what colleagues who nominated Louis had to say:

“Louis is an excellent example of our inclusive culture in action. He goes above and beyond in his role as chair of the LGBTQ staff network, to create a safe and supportive space for colleagues to connect…”

Delivery-Minded Dynamo Award

This award went to someone who consistently takes initiative, follows through, and delivers high-quality results, whether by overcoming obstacles, leading key projects or supporting others to succeed. Presented by Gubby Ayida, Chief Executive of Evelina London.

🏆 Winner: Martyn Stephenson

Here is what colleagues who nominated Martyn had to say:

“Martyn has been delivering all database queries for the fundraising team, which is an incredibly large task… to provide accurate and detailed information for us all. He really is going above and beyond…”

Funds Maximiser Award

Given to a colleague or team who made exceptional use of funds to support the Foundation’s mission, this award recognised ingenuity, stewardship and impact. Presented by trustee Andrew Lee.

🏆 Winner: Isobel Shipp

Here is what colleagues who nominated Isobel had to say:

“Isobel consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a fundraiser for our three charities. The proof is in the pudding as Isobel in the last year alone has secured a number of large donations from funders…”

Milestone Award

This special honour celebrated individuals who reached long-service milestones at the Foundation, recognising their lasting contribution, commitment to our values, and support for colleagues over the years.

Congratulations to our winners:

🏆 Imogen Gray

“Imogen cares for our 5,000+ arts and heritage objects with outstanding dedication. The milestone award reflects her commitment, resilience, flexibility, problem-solving and delivery-mindedness…”

🏆 Peter Webb

“Peter joined the Foundation in 2011… His commitment to his team is unwavering, his humour legendary, and his biscuit knowledge encyclopaedic…”

🏆 Ruth Bishop

“For over two decades, Ruth Bishop has delivered great impact for the Trust, its staff and patients through hard work and dedication… she leads with compassion, humility and integrity, earning deep respect from her team and the Trust.”

🏆 Kevin Wilsher

“In 28 years of service, Kevin has shown unwavering dedication, insight and integrity. Adaptable, collaborative and kind, he’s a deeply respected and much-loved colleague.”

🏆 Maggie Hou

“Thanks to Maggie, a finance function built for under 30 people now supports over 200. Her application letter remains the best I’ve seen – and she’s still the only person to ever pass my Excel test!”

🏆 Gabrielle Allen

“From the arts collection to programmes and now as a Portfolio Manager in Innovation, Gabby brings joy, wisdom, and pragmatism to all she does. Never shy of a laugh, the team couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised.”