The Starlight Health Play Awards 2025

The winners of the annual Starlight Health Play Awards were announced at an event in London

The Starlight Health Play Awards celebrate UK healthcare professionals for supporting children in hospitals. The 2025 winners of the awards were announced during a gala event held at the Science Gallery, part of King’s College London, where the spotlight was shone on those whose work is creating lasting, positive change for children undergoing healthcare treatment across the UK.

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, said: ““These awards are much deserved recognition of the compassion, creativity, and determination of expert people working to improve the experiences of children undergoing treatment across the UK. Our winners embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our vision - that no child experiences trauma in healthcare.

“Sadly though, their award-winning work isn’t experienced by all children. Most hospitals still have no budget for play and the majority of health play professionals say that they are completely dependent upon Starlight for resources and support.

“Thanks to our funders and fundraisers, we already support 900 settings across the UK, but there’s much more to be done. It’s been very special to celebrate with the community of people who help us in every way with our mission to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.”

It’s been very special to celebrate with the community of people who help us in every way with our mission to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare

WINNERS

Protectors of Play

The Protector of Play Award recognises healthcare professionals who are championing play, even though it might not be in their official job description.

For 2025, there were joint winners. Tania Sparks, Project Manager of the NHS South West Surgery in Children Operational Delivery Network and her team, were selected for spreading the word about the benefits of play for all paediatric hospital treatments and procedures across the south west region and nationally.

Raquel Duncombe, an anaesthetic nurse in emergency surgery at the Princes Royal University Hospital, in Orpington, London, was selected for using Starlight resources and playful techniques to calm young patients. Her work is also influencing theatre colleagues, making procedures run more smoothly, reducing stress for the patient, their families and staff.

Mentor of the Year

Debbie Daniels, Senior Health Play Specialist at Poole Hospital Dorset, was selected for ensuring the healing power of play is available to future generations of children in healthcare through her exceptional work guiding and developing future professionals in the field.

Health Play Specialist of the Year

Leanne Gowland, a Durham Children’s Continence Play Specialist was selected for her pioneering work supporting children with bladder and bowel difficulties, preventing hospital admissions and protecting mental health.

Play Team of the Year

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Play Team was selected for their instrumental role in the successful move of a children’s inpatient ward to its new Midland Metropolitan hospital site and their work across the trust relaying valuable insights to medical teams and supporting children from diverse and deprived communities.