Angel of the Year

2026

Angel of the Year Nominees

Dr Miklos Kassai and Natalie Irwin Nominated by: Dawn Flanagan

A consultant colorectal surgeon and his personal assistant have been nominated for the Angel of the Year award in recognition of their “exceptional care, compassion and dedication”.

Dr Miklos Kassai has been nominated alongside Natalie Irwin. The pair have been nominated by Dawn Flanagan, who says that they “represent the very best of Jersey’s healthcare community”.

Dr Kassai operates from Little Grove Clinic and the Hospital, offering specialist assessment and treatment for a wide range of colorectal and surgical conditions.

Ms Flanagan explained that surgery and colorectal illness can be “frightening, embarrassing and life-changing”, but at times when patients are vulnerable, this team provides “not only outstanding” clinical care but also “reassurance, dignity and kindness”.

She said: “They consistently put patients first, advocate for their needs and strive to make their experience as positive as possible. Their professionalism, empathy and willingness to go the extra mile have made a profound difference to many Islanders.

“They deserve to be recognised not only for the important work they do but for the compassion, courage, dedication and genuine care that they bring to it every single day.”

Senga McNeill & Grace Thomson Nominated by: Zona Michel

Two members of the Hospital’s breast-care team have been nominated for Angel of the Year for going “above and beyond” to support Islanders on their breast-cancer journeys. Senga McNeill and Grace Thomson were jointly nominated by patient Zona Michel, who described the care she received from them as “amazing”.

Mrs Michel said she felt “blessed” to have been so well looked after, with the two women making sure she felt comfortable throughout every step of her journey.

“I am sure I am not alone in wishing to nominate the whole team, but Senga and Grace truly have stood out in my care and journey, and I am sure in many others’ journeys,” she explained. Mrs Michel praised the pair for always being willing to answer questions and explain each stage of the process.

“These two ladies deserve to be recognised for their kindness and devotion to their job,” she added. “They are always willing to answer any questions and talk through every single part of the journey with you. “These two ladies go above and beyond to help the Jersey community who are on their breast cancer journey. I really appreciate the first-class service I received.”

Rachel Brophy Nominated by: Annie Leonard

An empowering young woman who is described as a “ray of sunshine” has been nominated for Angel of the Year by her friend Annie Leonard.

Rachel Brophy is someone who has always been “an angel sent from above” despite facing many challenges of her own, according to Miss Leonard.

The two have known each other since they were young and Miss Leonard described her friend as a “strong and loving person”.

She said: “Rachel has always shown up, and always puts everyone [else] first, even when going through tough times.”

Miss Brophy dedicates most of her time to supporting those with additional needs at Grainville School, alongside volunteering at Mind Jersey, a charity that helps those struggling with their mental health.

Miss Leonard added: “Rachel deserves this award as she is constantly there for her friends and family. Rachel is loved by many and is, and always has been, an angel of happiness and love.”

Laura Crocker Nominated by: Judith Alexander

Laura Crocker has been nominated for Angel of the Year for her continued hard work as a Respiratory Nurse Specialist.

Mrs Crocker is described by her nominator, Judith Alexander, as someone who is “exceptionally caring” and “consistently goes above and beyond” for her clients, ensuring they are made to feel at ease during their appointments.

Miss Alexander said: “Laura’s professionalism, clinical expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her patients is truly outstanding.

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition for the incredible difference she makes to the lives of her patients every day.”

Karen Dingle Nominated by: Amy Dingle

A woman who has “transformed the lives of countless Islanders” through her work supporting people affected by eating disorders has been nominated for Angel of the Year.

Jersey Eating Disorder Support chief executive Karen Dingle was put forward by her daughter Amy, who has battled her own life-threatening eating disorder. Despite facing challenges of her own over the years, Mrs Dingle has devoted “countless hours” to helping others and overseen a significant increase in the charity’s reach.

Miss Dingle, now JEDS deputy chief executive, explained that her mother had spent five years studying for a Level 5 Diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling so that she could establish the charity’s counselling service.

“I am incredibly proud to call Karen my mum, colleague and best friend, but even prouder of the hope she gives to so many others every single day,” she said. “Her kindness, courage and generosity have touched more lives than she will ever know, and, to me, she truly is Jersey’s angel.

Carly Silvester Nominated by: Alex & Saskia Ruddy

Carly Silvester has been nominated for Angel of the Year for being someone who “gives so much of herself to others” without ever seeking any recognition for her kindness that “has touched countless lives”.

One of her nominators, Alex Ruddy said: “Throughout my cancer diagnosis, she attended every appointment with me, offering practical help, emotional support and friendship when I needed it most.”

Mrs Silvester has also dedicated many hours to volunteering at Jersey Hospice, helping those at life’s most difficult moments, alongside many other events across the Island, her nominators said.

Ms Ruddy added: “What makes Carly even more remarkable is that I know I am not the only person she supports in this way. She stands beside friends, family and strangers alike, offering love, generosity and hope whenever it is needed.”

Stacey MacMinn Nominated by: Samantha Walton

A teacher who has been described as the “true definition of selflessness, kindness and strength” has been nominated for Angel of the Year by her best friend. Samantha Walton said Stacey MacMinn was someone who “worked hard” to achieve her degree and become a teacher, and was dedicated to “making a difference to the lives of her pupils”.

Miss Walton said: “No matter what she is facing in her own life, Stacey always puts everyone else first. “What makes Stacey so special is that no matter how much she is carrying herself, she never lets it stop her from being there for others.

“She always turns up with a smile, a kind word and a helping hand. She never complains, or asks for anything in return, and somehow makes everyone else feel loved and supported, even when her own heart is breaking.

“I want Stacey to know that every sacrifice she makes and every smile she gives, despite everything she is going through, does not go unnoticed. She truly is an angel on earth.”

Daphne East Nominated by: Millie East

A Mother who goes “above and beyond” for her family despite “intense pressure and stress” has been nominated for Angel of the Year by her daughter.

Daphne East was described as the “brightest light” who can “cheer anyone up with just her presence” by her nominator, Millie East, who said: “Despite the intense pressure and stress that has been put on her shoulders, she is an inspiration to everyone in her life for her sheer dedication to being an amazing mum, friend, and colleague.

“Last year was one of the hardest years of our lives, with my dad spending most of the year in hospital. Although we were all struggling immensely, mum made our lives as positive as she could.

“She works harder than anyone I have ever met, not just in a professional capacity but also with her volunteer work and looking after her family.

“She deserves the world and more with how amazing she truly is.”

Isabel Freitas Nominated by: Janice Kearsey

A woman who “creates a very warm and welcoming environment” for residents and families at Glanville Ladies Residential Care Home has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award.

In her role as a registered manager, Isabel Freitas has been described as someone who goes “above and beyond to create happy memories for her ladies”.

Her nominator, Janice Kearsey, said: “Isabel takes the trouble to fully understand the personalities and interests of each of the individual ladies in her care.

“Isabel provided the practical support and encouragement to ensure that my mother was able to attend an important family occasion.

“This enabled the rest of the family to enjoy the event and keep a watchful eye on the happy couple’s four-year-old son, who had an important role as the official ring bearer.” Mrs Kearsey said that from the moment she met Mrs Freitas “it was clear that she loves her job”.

Greg Connor Nominated by: Pam AuberGreg

A JSPCA ambulance driver, who dedicates his time to helping Jersey’s animals, has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award.

Greg Connor was nominated by his colleague Pam Aubert, who said it took “a special kind of person full of compassion, care and genuine humility” to be an ambulance driver, which Mr Connor “has in abundance”.

Mrs Aubert said: “We never know what our ambulance drivers get called out to, but they are always ready for the unexpected. I have personally been out with Greg on a shift and seen him first-hand in action. “I can honestly say it was a truly wonderful experience, and one that has stayed with me.” Mrs Aubert explained how she had “encouraged” others who work behind the scenes to attend emergencies with the ambulance drivers to “fully understand how incredible our free public service is”.

Mrs Aubert added: “There are heroes and there are angels in disguise all around us and hidden in plain sight. Greg, our JSPCA ambulance driver, is one of them.“The Island is very lucky to have our free ambulance service, and luckier to have people like Greg who deliver it.”

Tina Hutchison Nominated by: Lisa Patton

A woman who provides “invaluable support” to colleagues at Mont à l’Abbé School has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award. Tina Hutchison is described by her nominator and co-worker, Lisa Patton, as someone who “genuinely cares about the wellbeing of others” by making sure they feel heard and valued.

Mrs Patton said: “She consistently goes above and beyond what is expected in her role. As the HR representative for three areas of our school, she manages an incredibly demanding workload with professionalism, efficiency and compassion.“Despite her many responsibilities she always makes the time to listen, offer guidance, and support staff with kindness and respect.”

In addition to her role as school business manager, Mrs Hutchison also serves as one of the school’s mental-health first aiders. Mrs Patton added: “Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Whether she is helping with a complex HR issue, offering reassurance during difficult times, or simply checking on someone’s wellbeing, she approaches every situation with empathy, patience and a positive attitude.

“She is a true asset to our school community, and her commitment, hard work and willingness to go the extra mile make a real difference every single day.”

Polly Axford Nominated by: Hayley Kitts, Kirsty Channing and Jade Knight

A woman whose “compassion extends far beyond her clinical role” has been nominated for Angel of the Year.

Polly Axford is described by her three nominators – Hayley Kitts, Kirsty Channing and Jade Knight – as someone who makes “such a lasting difference” in her role as a children’s community nurse at Family Nursing and Home Care.

Mrs Kitts said: “We are three mothers, each with a child who has very severe health and disability needs. Polly has an incredible ability to make families feel seen, heard and supported, even in the most difficult circumstances.

“Polly has supported parents through the most unimaginable times with unwavering compassion and dignity. She has also been there for siblings, recognising that they need care and understanding too.

“We are constantly in awe of her warmth, her dedication and the way she tirelessly advocates for children with disabilities and their families.”

Magdelena Ford Nominated by: Vicky Stabler

The founder of non-profit organisation In-Betweeners has been nominated for Angel of the Year for “dedicating her life to helping those in need in Jersey who have nowhere else to turn to”.

Magdalena Ford was nominated by Vicky Stabler for her voluntary work supporting people experiencing mental-health challenges, alongside her role as designated safeguarding lead at the local Polish school and delivering wellbeing programmes for children.

“Her passion for holistic health combines talking therapies with physical health and she tailors this mental-health support to address life’s challenges, emotional struggles and family dynamics,” Ms Stabler said. She described Ms Ford as “the true essence of an angel” for creating wellbeing programmes focused on mindfulness, stress management and self-care for young people.

Ms Ford also provides “individualised plans supporting families, works with multiple agencies and runs peer-support groups and therapeutic activities designed to create safe spaces for young people”.

Sara Wagstaffe Nominated by: Bethany McKenzie Bowyer

A chiropractor and practitioner at Elemental Health has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award by one of her co-workers who described her as “one of the kindest, most compassionate and genuinely caring people” that she has ever met.

Sara Wagstaffe has been nominated for the award by Bethany McKenzie Bowyer for the support she provides not just as an employer, but for the wider community. Ms Bowyer said that Ms Wagstaffe always sees the person behind the problem, treating every individual with “compassion, patience and respect”.

“Sara helps people identify the root causes of limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns and supports them in transforming these. “Sara has a unique approach to health and wellbeing. Through her work with Inner Alchemy, she recognises that true health is about much more than simply treating physical symptoms.”

Ms Bowyer added: “Sara also gives so much to our community. She is passionate about helping people who may feel that their health, circumstances or past experiences have placed limitations on what they can achieve.”

Marie Haynes Nominated by: Ana Bexiga

A ward manager has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award, after being described by her nominator as the “best manager in the Hospital”.

Marie Haynes, who is the manager for the Bartlett Ward, has been nominated by her co-worker Ana Bexiga for the award for “always doing the best for others”.

Ms Bexiga explained that Ms Haynes always provides extensive care to her patients and consistently puts herself last.

“I have been through a lot with my health. I have been struggling a lot of the time and she always helps me when I need to do shorter shifts, making sure I can always get the help I need,” she said.

Ms Bexiga added that Ms Haynes “really deserves” this award because of the “kindness she shows to others” even if it has been a tough day.

“She is a role model to her family and all of her staff,” Ms Bexiga added.

Sean Pontin Nominated by: Carina Le Heuze

A disability campaigner has been nominated for Angel of the Year for his work at Enable Jersey, with the charity coming on “leaps and bounds” under his stewardship.

Sean Pontin was appointed chief executive of Enable Jersey – which is dedicated to providing support and a voice to anyone in the island living with a disability or long-term condition, including their family, friends and carers – five years ago.

His nominator, Carina Le Heuze, said: “He tirelessly helps his clients while striving to fundraise and come up with ideas.”

Miss Le Heuze shared how Mr Pontin helped her after being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis.

She added: “Even though it’s still early stages, he sees me struggling and helps when others would not ‘see’ me.

“Although he’s extremely humble, he deserves all the recognition coming his way.”

Taylor Venton Nominated by: Chris Carr

Taylor Venton has been nominated for Angel of the Year by Chris Carr for “the genuine difference she makes to the people around her”.

Ms Venton works with young Islanders with multiple learning difficulties, taking the time to understand each child she works with and making sure they feel included and valued, said her nominator.

“She is incredibly patient and compassionate, and it is clear how much she genuinely cares about giving these children the support they need,” Mr Carr said.

Ms Venton is also involved with the charity Jersey Eating Disorder Support and is in her final year of training to become a consultant. She also gives her time to many other charities and is always willing to help, according to her nominator.

Mr Carr praised her for the kindness and support she offers, and added: “She never does anything for attention or recognition. It is simply the way she is.”

Jan Auffret Nominated by: May Bourne

An Islander has been recognised for more than “30 years of extraordinary dedication” to women, babies and families across Jersey, by being nominated for the Angel of the Year award.

Jan Auffret has devoted her life to midwifery, going above and beyond to ensure women and their families “feel held, heard and cared for during some of the most significant and vulnerable moments of their lives”. Her nominator, May Bourne, said that a large part of Ms Auffret’s career had been dedicated to supporting parents who had experienced the devastating loss of a baby. Additionally, Ms Auffret has “generously” volunteered many hours with Philip’s Footprints, a local charity supporting families affected by baby loss.

Although recently retired, she continues to support women and families through antenatal education, sharing her wealth of experience to help prepare and reassure the next generation of Jersey parents. Ms Bourne said: “Jan’s impact lives on in the families who felt safe because Jan was there, the parents who felt heard because she listened and the bereaved families who found comfort when they needed it most.”

Les Houmets Care Home Nominated by: Shona Ringsdore

Les Houmets Care Home has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award in recognition of the “incredible care, compassion and dedication shown by every member of its team”.

Nominator Shona Ringsdore described the staff as “truly angels without wings”, explaining that the love, respect and care they demonstrate to every resident and their families was “extraordinary”, with “nothing ever being too much trouble”.

From organising outings and activities to creating opportunities for residents to socialise, laugh and make memories, it is clear how much thought and effort staff at Les Houmets put into making each day meaningful, said Ms Ringsdore.

“The patience, empathy and respect they demonstrate, day after day, provides reassurance to families and helps residents feel safe, loved and cared for,” she added.

Ms Ringsdore praised the team for making what can be a hard journey into assisted living as “easy, comfortable and reassuring as possible”, helping residents to feel that they are not simply moving into a care home, but “becoming part of a family and community”.

Anne Marie Murray and the Abbeyfield team Nominated by: Rosemary Legg and Frank Raimbault

A woman and her team who have made Abbeyfield feel like “a happy little family” have been nominated for Angel of the Year.

Nominated by one of the residents, Rosemary Legg, and her son, Frank Raimbault, the care home’s house manager, Anne Marie Murray, was described as someone who is “full of love for everyone”, something which is continuously reflected in the “warm, friendly atmosphere”.

Mrs Legg said: “Abbeyfield is impeccably managed with high professional standards in everyone and this comes from the top. Any worries are listened to and taken care of promptly with a smile.

“Anne Marie herself sometimes has to work very long hours, but she always has time to share our joys and sorrows, and makes each of us feel that we are really special.

“Together with her well-chosen staff team, she has created a haven where love and respect really do influence everything. It would be lovely to see her dedication recognised.”

Jenny Renouf Nominated by: Liam Renouf

A support worker, who has dedicated a number of years to working with adults with learning disabilities has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award for “always giving the most to those she supports”.

The high level of care from Jenny Renouf did not stop during the Covid pandemic lockdowns, according to her nominator, who said Ms Renouf continued to do her job with the “utmost dedication”, despite this being a period when she was also supporting her daughter who, at the time, was undergoing cancer treatment.

Ms Renouf consistently “provided care and emotional support to everyone around her, which she does with ease,” he added.

Having turned 60 this year, she continually strives to be a true community asset and her care and warmth persist, said her nominator.

“I am so proud of everything she does and I am continually in awe of and inspired by her strength and steadfast determination,” Mr Renouf added.

Charlotte Leakey Nominated by: Fiona Mesney

A “wonderful” and “caring” vet has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award for consistently going “above and beyond” for her animal patients. Charlotte Leakey, who works at New Era Veterinary Centre, has been nominated for the award by Fiona Mesney, who praised Ms Leakey’s support when her dog became ill.

Her nominator explained that her dog, Buster, had become old and unwell, and that a plan to keep him comfortable towards the end of his life was needed. Ms Mesney said that Ms Leakey handled this with “such kindness and professionalism”.

When the day came to put Buster to sleep, Ms Mesney explained that Ms Leakey came round to her house to undertake the procedure, showing “so much care” and talking through the process. Ms Mesney said: “She let us have as long as we needed with him, and I will always be so grateful to her for her thoughtfulness, compassion and kindness.”

Her nominator added that Ms Leakey was a “wonderful example” of a caring and knowledgeable vet who “provides care and compassion” to both pets and their owners at the “hardest of times”. “Thank you so much, Charlotte. You made a really upsetting time easier to bear,” Ms Mesney added.

Bernadette and Tony Volante Nominated by: Donna Volante

A parental duo who continue to support their daughter, despite the health challenges she faces, have been nominated for the Angel of the Year award. Bernadette and Tony Volante, nominated by their daughter Donna Volante, are described as “amazing” in all they do, even if it is just being there for her.

Miss Volante said: “Both my mum and dad look after my sister, Charlotte, who was unfortunately born with spinal problems and, as a result, is unable to walk and is wheelchair-bound. “They are also willing to help anyone in need and I just believe they deserve the recognition for what they do in general. To be honest, I actually quite admire them both.

“I just want to let them know that I love them and want to show them how grateful we are for everything that they do. “Thank you both very much for all you have done and all you still keep doing for our little sister Charlotte.”