MP and former health minister Philip Dunne presented certificates to local health champions as part of the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards. Mr Dunne nominated three Shropshire candidates for recognition in the awards – Dr Adrian Penney for the Lifetime Achievement Award, paediatric physiotherapist Jill Absolon for the Care and Compassion Award, and occupational therapist Lewis Brown for the Healthier Communities Award.
Mr Dunne said, “In different ways, each reflects years of commitment and hard work shown by staff across the NHS, but their particular dedication to health and wellbeing in Shropshire was worth recognising as part of commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NHS.”
Dr Penney was nominated for his outstanding commitment since joining as a GP in Bishops Castle in 1985. He once refused to cut his hair until the community hospital was refurbished, raising thousands of pounds to support it. Jill Absolon was put forward for her work with families in Shropshire for over 25 years. She works mainly with children under five who have lifelong conditions. Lewis Brown was nominated for his work with local children with motor coordination difficulties, including helping them to reach their goal of learning to ride a bike.
