Lucy Whiddett, 40, won the Sarcoma Healthcare Professional Innovation and Excellence Award at Sarcoma UK’s Shining Star ceremony, held at Tower Bridge in London last week.
Lucy has worked as a sarcoma support worker since 2019, becoming a vital lifeline for patients and families facing the disease. Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can develop in muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues, with around 100 different subtypes. Around 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day across the UK.
“I love this job. I feel very privileged to be able to help people at such a difficult time in their lives and make things a little easier,” Lucy said. “I now can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Supporting patients from diagnosis onwards
Lucy is often the first point of contact for newly diagnosed patients, offering phone guidance, signposting to services and making direct referrals. She has also helped create a digital noticeboard giving patients instant access to information about their diagnosis, and organised engagement events to bring patients together.
Remarkably, Lucy had never heard of sarcoma before applying for the role.
“I had worked in community care, but I wanted a change and saw the job, then I looked into it,” she explained.
Her impact has extended beyond Swansea Bay. Lucy helped establish a national group for sarcoma support workers, meeting regularly online to share expertise and hear from specialists.
National recognition
With around 5,300 people diagnosed with sarcoma annually in the UK, Lucy’s work ensures patients have a positive experience throughout their treatment journey.
Sam Hackett, Sarcoma UK’s Healthcare Professional Engagement Lead, said:
“Many patients have never heard of sarcoma before their diagnosis, which makes Lucy’s role so vital. She provides that crucial human connection and support when people need it most. Lucy’s commitment to excellence in her role has undoubtedly made a real difference to many patients and families and we are really happy to be able to recognise her work in this way.”
