RJAH Therapy Associate Practitioner shortlisted for BBC Make a Difference award

A Therapy Associate Practitioner working at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has been shortlisted for a prestigious BBC Make a Difference Award in the Shropshire regional awards.

Kate Betts, who works at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), is in the running for the Active Award, which recognises an individual or group that has used physical activity or sport to improve the lives of people in their community.

The Make a Difference Awards shine a light on everyday heroes in local communities, including volunteers, fundraisers, good neighbours, young people and community groups whose kindness, courage and dedication improve the lives of others.

Kate was nominated by Victoria Sugden, League of Friends CEO. She said: “Kate goes above and beyond for everyone – her gentle nature, unfailingly happy disposition and deep love of her work make a real difference to her patients and colleagues.”

Kate first joined RJAH in 1994 and has spent her career helping people with physical disabilities to stay active, develop their independence and be the best they can be.

One of the patients Kate has supported, Morgan, described her as “incredible” throughout his rehabilitation journey, saying she had pushed him to his limits and taught him a range of new skills.

He said Kate had also helped him discover the opportunities available to him through sport, including taking him to wheelchair rugby.

Morgan’s mum, Julie, said Kate had a “natural ability to see the individual”, quickly recognising his competitive nature and sporting background.

She said she could see the difference as soon as Morgan got into a sports wheelchair, with his face “lighting up”, and praised Kate for helping him realise that, despite his injury, there’s a big wide world out there.

She added: “Thank you for giving Morgan back to us.”

Kate said: “I feel humbled and honoured to have been nominated and shortlisted for this award. I am fortunate to be part of an amazing team of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, whose commitment enables me to carry out activities with our patients and their families

“Recognising each patient as an individual and understanding their interests is a vital part of rehabilitation. I really enjoy involving patients in activities beyond the hospital grounds, but the most rewarding part is seeing them take part in activities that they enjoy after many months in hospital or seeing them try something new that they never thought would be possible.”

The winner of the Active Award will be announced at the BBC Make a Difference Awards ceremony in Shropshire on 25 September.