(L-R): Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; Sandra McAllister, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Regional Multidisciplinary Team Lead for Sarcoma; Professor Mark Taylor.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed leading figures from Northern Ireland’s sarcoma community to Stormont following their national recognition in Sarcoma UK’s 2025 Shining Star Awards, which celebrate excellence in care, advocacy and patient support across the UK.
The meeting, held at Parliament Buildings, brought together nominees whose work has had a significant impact on people affected by sarcoma — a rare form of cancer — offering formal recognition of their achievements and the dedication behind them.
The Shining Star Awards ceremony, hosted at Tower Bridge in London in November 2025, honoured individuals and organisations from across the UK, with Northern Ireland nominees recognised across four national categories.
Northern Ireland nominees recognised nationally
Those recognised from Northern Ireland included:
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Sarcoma Support Group Champion of the Year (public vote) – The Boom Foundation, Leona O’Neill MBE, Founder
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the nominees for their dedication and impact, highlighting the breadth of contribution across clinical care, advocacy and lived experience.
“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.”
Clinical leadership and patient-centred care
Among those recognised was Sandra McAllister, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Regional Multidisciplinary Team Lead for Sarcoma, based at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, who was nominated for Healthcare Professional of the Year.
Speaking following the Stormont meeting, Ms McAllister emphasised the importance of collaborative working and patient voices in improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.
“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.”
Young voices raising awareness globally
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 become a prominent advocate, using her platform as Miss World Northern Ireland and as a Sarcoma UK Ambassador to raise awareness both nationally and internationally.
Her nomination highlights the growing role of young people with lived experience in shaping public understanding of rare cancers and supporting others on similar journeys.
The Boom Foundation’s impact in Northern Ireland
Also recognised was The Boom Foundation, Northern Ireland’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people affected by sarcoma. Established in 2013, the charity has raised over £1.1 million to support research, patient services and specialist nursing posts across Northern Ireland.
Its national award recognition underscores the vital role played by community-based organisations in providing support for patients and families navigating rare cancer diagnoses.
Sarcoma UK welcomes ministerial recognition
Sarcoma UK’s Healthcare Professional Engagement Lead, Sam Hackett, welcomed the Minister’s engagement and praised the breadth of work being carried out across Northern Ireland.
“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.”
About sarcoma in Northern Ireland
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can affect any part of the body. Around 5,900 people are diagnosed with sarcoma across the UK each year, with approximately 100 diagnoses annually in Northern Ireland.
Sarcoma services in Northern Ireland are delivered through a coordinated regional model, aligned with specialist centres across the UK, aiming to ensure timely diagnosis, specialist treatment and ongoing patient support.