Diabetes advocate, Tony Kelly wins Our Health Heroes Award
Tony Kelly, a diabetes advocate and volunteer at BCHC, was recently announced as a winner in the Healthcare Volunteer of the Year category at the Our Health Heroes Awards. Tony won a silver award for his work, supporting people across the UK and beyond to better understand and prevent diabetes.
Tony, who is retired, began volunteering at BCHC in October last year, but has been a diabetes advocate for over a decade. He initially trained with Diabetes UK, becoming a UK Community Champion in 2012. As well as working with the charity, alongside this, he also volunteered as a diabetes ambassador for NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System for nearly 10 years.
Tony has made a sustained contribution to improving awareness of diabetes through education, advocacy and community engagement. Following his own diagnosis, he has committed his time to helping others make informed, healthier life choices, using evidence-based information to support prevention and early recognition of the condition.
Tony regularly delivers talks to NHS staff, community groups and wider audiences, sharing his lived experience alongside practical advice on recognising symptoms and managing risk. His work has earned him national and international recognition, including invitations to contribute to publications and speak at conferences.
In addition to his advocacy work, Tony continues to volunteer his time freely, driven by a passion to improve understanding of diabetes and support better health outcomes. His contribution has been recognised with a British Empire Medal and an honorary degree from the University of Warwick, reflecting the impact of his work.
Tony said: "Now in my 14th year of volunteering as a health and well-being diabetes ambassador/activist I take immense satisfaction and joy from being able to reach communities in Britain as well as abroad. Awards of any description are appreciated as they help to raise one's profile and by so doing increase the importance of the health and wellbeing message."
The judging panel praised his commitment and influence: “Tony's dedication to raising awareness and supporting people to take control of their health is truly inspiring. Through his advocacy and education, he is helping to prevent illness, empower patients and improve understanding of diabetes on a national scale.”
Supported by NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services and other national partners, the Our Health Heroes Awards celebrate the people who keep healthcare services running every day. To find out more, visit Our Health Heroes Awards.