Two researchers from Lancaster Medical School have been honoured at a special gala ceremony held by North West Cancer Research in Liverpool.

The event at the Titanic Hotel celebrated the dedication of the charity’s supporters, as well as paying tribute to excellence in research across the North West and North Wales.

Two awards were won by Dr Lisa Ashmore, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences, and Dr Luigi Sedda, Senior Lecturer in Spatial Epidemiology, who are both from Lancaster Medical School.

Research Advocate award

Event sponsor Mike Hornby of Markland Hill Wealth presented the Research Advocate award to Dr Ashmore for supporting the creation and implementation of prehab and rehab initiatives in radiotherapy.

Dr Ashmore said: “It is an honour to be awarded the research advocate award from North West Cancer Research. Funding from the charity has enabled me to work within the therapeutic radiography community to develop research capability and capacity. There is a keen appetite to do great research in radiotherapy to improve work practices, care and outcomes for people with cancer in the North West and I am humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of supporting that.”

Chief Executive’s award

North West Cancer Research Chief Executive Alastair Richards presented the Chief Executive’s award to Dr Sedda for the innovative work with cancer data analysis and his dedication and initiative.

Dr Sedda said: “I am honoured to receive this award and commend NWCR for their courageous initiative in leveraging skills and expertise not traditionally associated with oncology research. I am also proud that this recognition comes from a charity that has been remarkably successful in raising cancer awareness in our region and significantly advancing our understanding of these diseases. NWCR’s impactful work continues to make a profound difference in the fight against cancer.”

Attendees from across the region helped to raise £40,000, through ticket sales, an auction and raffle tickets, with all proceeds going directly towards the charity’s life-saving research. Hosted by Greatest Hits Radio’s Simon Ross, the annual event – now in its third outing – featured a total of 12 awards.