Day One CEO Lucy Nickson has praised the charity's staff, trustees and volunteers after winning a top leadership award.
Lucy was announced as the winner of the Public and Third Sector Leader Award during the Yorkshire Leadership Awards in Leeds on Thursday 21 March. Nearly 300 people gathered at the Queens Hotel to celebrate the region’s finest leaders during a glitzy event, organised by TheBusinessDesk.com.
Lucy impressed judges with her drive, passion and effectiveness, taking Day One from a start-up charity operating in Leeds General Infirmary in 2021, to now providing practical, emotional, and financial support to people who have suffered catastrophic injuries across seven northern hospitals.
"It’s a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and I pay tribute to every member of staff, trustee and all of our amazing peer support volunteers who are a part of our team."
Day One was founded ten years ago by trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Prof Peter Giannoudis, along with a group of patients, in Leeds. In 2021 the charity realised it's ambition to grow, becoming an independent national charity that could support patients and families beyond Leeds.
The charity now provides bedside support at Major Trauma Centres in Leeds, Aintree, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Middlesbrough, as well as The Walton Centre in Liverpool (a major neurology hospital) and at the new Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital. It also has a national offer for anyone that has suffered major trauma in the UK, and has a network of Peer Support Volunteers made up of former patients and family members.
Lucy said: "I am delighted and proud to accept this award. Ultimately, it’s a privilege to lead this fantastic organisation and I pay tribute to every member of staff, trustee and all of our amazing peer support volunteers who are a part of our team. We’ve grown rapidly in the last three years and we will continue that growth journey. Our vision to make sure that no one has to rebuild life on their own after catastrophic injury is what drives me and my colleagues every day!”
TheBusinessDesk.com Yorkshire editor Andrew Staples said: "I continue to be impressed by the quality of leaders within Yorkshire and Humber. The breadth and depth of talent within the region is truly impressive – leaders who not only have the vision and drive to achieve great things, but motivate and empower their teams to unleash their own potential."
