Health Minister celebrates Sarcoma UK Awards nominees

Date published: 9 January 2026

The awards celebrate excellence in sarcoma care, advocacy and patient support across the UK.

The meeting, held in Parliament Buildings provided an opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional contribution made by individuals and organisations from Northern Ireland who were nominated across four national award categories. The Shining Star Awards ceremony took place at Tower Bridge, London in November 2025.

Northern Ireland nominees recognised in Sarcoma UK’s 2025 Shining Star Awards included:

• Sarcoma Support Group Champion of the Year (public vote) The Boom Foundation, which received the award – Leona O’Neill MBE, Founder
• Young Sarcoma Voice of the Year (public vote) – Carly Wilson
• Healthcare Professional of the Year – Sandra McAllister, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Regional Multidisciplinary Team Lead for Sarcoma
• Political Voice of the Year – Minister Mike Nesbitt

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt said: “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.”

Nominee Sandra McAllister, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Regional Multidisciplinary Team Lead for Sarcoma, based at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald and who was nominated for Healthcare Professional of the Year, said: “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.”

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 used her platform as Miss World Northern Ireland and as a Sarcoma UK Ambassador to raise awareness nationally and internationally.

The Boom Foundation, established in 2013, is the only charity in Northern Ireland dedicated solely to supporting people affected by sarcoma. It has raised over £1.1 million to support research, patient services and specialist nursing posts within Northern Ireland.

Sarcoma UK's Healthcare Professional Engagement Lead Sam Hackett said: "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."

Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can affect any part of the body. Around 5,900 people are diagnosed with sarcoma in the UK each year, with approximately 100 diagnoses annually in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland delivers sarcoma services through a coordinated regional model aligned with specialist centres across the UK.