In the year Sheffield Children’s celebrates its 150th anniversary, 59 colleagues celebrated incredible milestones of their own of 20, 30 and 40 years.
Together they marked an extraordinary 1,380 years of service at the Sheffield Children's Long Service Awards 2026.
Their stories span decades of care, leadership, play, research and innovation, and they reflect not only the history, but the direction they are moving in as they shape the future of children’s healthcare.
Lots of colleagues receiving Long Service Awards spoke about how they’re improving accessibility to care for children and young people. Gemma Reaney, Community Home Oxygen Clinical Nurse Specialist, celebrated 20 years and explained: “My community focus enables children to be cared for in their own homes and prevent hospital admissions.”
Meanwhile Julia Antcliffe, Matron for Digital Technology, reached the 30 year milestone and said that new digital tools can transform the experience that patients have both in and out of hospital: “What inspires me most is knowing that we’re always evolving – embracing new technology, improving the way we work and finding better ways to support children and families.”
These stories reflect how experienced colleagues are helping to shape services that are better connected, more accessible and designed to create healthier futures.
Another feature of the answers long serving colleagues gave is the deep sense of belonging they described. Marie Doobary, Executive PA, said: “It’s a brilliant place to work – I wouldn’t have stayed for 20 years if it wasn’t!”
Michelle Lees, a Nurse in Theatres, of 30 years captured the spirit perfectly when she said: “I’ve always loved seeing support workers and students become inspired, go on to complete their training, and return as qualified colleagues. The teamwork here is incredible – from the domestics who keep everything spotless to the surgeons carrying out groundbreaking procedures.
“I always say to new starters that this is a dedicated place that truly looks after its people.”
Sheffield Childrens' long serving colleagues have also been at the heart of decades of innovation and improvement. As Helen Johnston, Advanced Physiotherapist, celebrating 20 years put it: “We’re on a great adventure with lots of opportunities to embrace.”
Amey Bedford, Radiographer, began her Sheffield Children’s adventure fresh out of university in 2005 and recalled how far we’ve come technologically: “I remember the dark room and wet film processing which is light years apart from the digital direct radiography we have now.”
Finally, many colleagues shared their passion for advocating for children and families, particularly those facing inequalities in life. Pam Rudkin, Specialist Practitioner (Social Worker) of 20 years at Becton, said: “What inspires me is working with families and children who often do not have a voice. I see social work as an integral part of identifying discrimination, prejudice and disadvantage. We are there to safeguard, advocate for and be an alternative voice in a medicalised system.”
Together, these colleagues represent the very best of Sheffield Children’s as they celebrate 150 years, recognising those who have helped build the foundations they stand on -— and who continue to shape the future of children’s healthcare.