This week, 150 women gathered at Jewish Care’s Woman of Distinction Awards 2024, raising over £75,000 for Jewish Care’s Sidney Corob House residential care home, supporting people who are living with enduring mental health needs.
Guests heard from one of the residents, Gerry, who recently moved to the care home. Gerry attended the lunch with fellow resident Sarah, Registered Manager, Sandra Saintus, and Social Care Coordinator, Tomas Munoz.
In an appeal to guests, Gerry said, “Before I entered the home, I was in a very dark place with severe depression. Unfortunately, medication was not dealing with the symptoms. I became quite ill and was in hospital for several weeks. Thankfully, I met Sandra, and I was able to move to the care home.
“I must admit that there was a feeling of concern to whether I could cope with the environment. To my amazement, I have found the home to be my nirvana. I entered an enormous feeling of security, peace and a desire to further my life. The care that is given by the staff is exemplary.
“Please do support this fantastic organisation to carry on its remarkable work for the care of its residents and people in the future who will need this incredible care and attention.”
Thanking Gerry, Sandra Saintus, Jewish Care Registered Manager of Sidney Corob House care home, told guests, “I would like to thank you all for keeping hope alive at Sidney Corob House; thank you for all your support over the years, giving us the inspiration we need. Gerry’s words are a true reflection of why we do what we do and without you, we couldn’t do it, so we thank you all for your support.”
Co-Chairs of the Woman of Distinction lunch, Danielle Hess and Danielle Lipton, said, “We want to thank Gerry for his openness and honesty in sharing his experiences with us and we are proud that every penny of the money raised will go to Jewish Care’s Sidney Corob House care home. It provides unique care for those over 50 living with severe, long term mental health needs and for people who are finding it hard to cope in the community. Sandra and her inspiring team have transformed the lives of so many, with their purpose to empower the residents and ensure that within the home they have a sense of family, spirituality and community.
“At this year’s awards, we were thrilled to present Woman of Distinction Awards, celebrating two amazing women and recognising the incredible achievements of Miss Joanna Franks and Reverend Hayley Ace.
“We also give our heartfelt thanks to our generous guests, our sponsors and raffle donors, and we would like to thank our wonderful Woman of Distinction Committee for making the event happen.”
Winner of the Woman of Distinction Award 2024, Miss Joanna Franks, is a consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon who works at UCH and privately, and trains medics at the Royal Free and UCL. Joanna was a Pan London Breast Hub Co-ordinator during the regional response to COVID-19 and supports numerous health charities.
Joanna Franks, who was presented the award by committee member Ali Toffel, said, “I want to thank Jewish Care and the Committee for this honour. It is particularly gratifying that this award is all about celebrating women.
“We are fortunate to have Sidney Corob House care home that is local enough for the Jewish community to ensure plenty of family visits. Families can rest assured knowing that their relatives are with like-minded people with common values in a safe and welcoming environment. I had the pleasure of touring the home recently and I was blown away by the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the engagement and kindness of the staff and volunteers, and how it is a hive of creativity.”
Miss Franks, consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon, also gave an important message, saying, “Early diagnosis gives the best possible chance of a cure, and if you are the recipient of less than positive results, then please rest assured that there are some truly extraordinary people who are waiting to treat you, with compassion, with great expertise and most importantly, in a customised and individual way.”
Reverend Hayley Ace, ordained minister in the Christian church, was presented with the Honorary Woman of Distinction Award 2024 by committee member, Jenifer Rosenberg OBE. The Reverend Ace is renowned for her steadfast dedication and passion to combating antisemitism and her solidarity with the Jewish community, promoting positive change and interfaith dialogue to support community integration.
“It’s an honour to receive this award, though it shouldn’t be exceptional or different to say that racism is wrong, antisemitism is wrong, and something we should all fight,” said Reverend Ace.
“Thankfully, many like me have been given their time and doing everything they can to be supportive over the past year and often we don’t hear about it, but I would like to communicate that we stand with you in solidarity and absolute support.”