Judy Dewinter left her career in stockbroking after her diagnosis and dedicated herself to improving the experience of others in the healthcare system.
Ms Dewinter, who has spent three decades living with myeloma, is currently chair of the Royal Free Charity in London and has now been made an MBE for services to the NHS.
A long-term patient at the Royal Free Hospital, Ms Dewinter has led the Royal Free Charity since May 2019 and previously served as lead governor at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
She said: “I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award.
“Being a patient has shaped everything I do. I understand the uncertainty that comes with finding out you have a serious illness.
“I believe in using that experience to help others who find themselves on this daunting journey.
“My motivation has always been simple: to help make the experience better and more hopeful for the next person coming through the door.”
Under her leadership, the charity raised £2 million for a surgical robot to improve patient care and precision during operations.
Ms Dewinter also oversaw fundraising for the NHS’s first total-body PET-CT scanner, which will support faster diagnoses and clinical research.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led an emergency appeal that raised £2.2 million in just a few months.
This funded rest spaces, psychological support, iPads for isolated patients and practical help for frontline teams.
Jon Spiers, chief executive of the Royal Free Charity, said: “Judy’s leadership is grounded in an unwavering focus on patients and deep respect for NHS staff.
“She combines personal insight as a long-term patient with financial and strategic rigour, ensuring charitable investment is directed where it delivers the greatest benefit for patients and those who care for them.”
Ms Dewinter also serves as president of Myeloma UK, where she advocates nationally for people living with the condition and supports newly diagnosed patients.
