15 May 2025
Since 2007, Dr Dave Hobin, a keen sailor, has been a friendly, familiar face on our adventures. That year was the beginning of a deeply valued relationship that continues to this day. He has been a volunteer, medical advisor, trustee, and since 2021, Chair of our Board of Trustees.
So, we are delighted that Dave has received the Johann Visser Award for Outstanding Contribution at the CCLG Children & Young People’s Cancer Association annual Member Awards, in recognition of his achievements in children and young people’s cancer care.
The award is incredibly well-deserved and we are delighted to see his efforts, as well as his kindness and passion, have been honoured by his peers.
A leading light
Dr Hobin has been a leading figure in children and young people’s cancer care since starting his clinical career in 1992.
He has worked as a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital since 2003, putting him at the centre of innovation and development in the Midlands and nationwide. He is the West Midlands clinical lead for the paediatric cancer operational delivery network, and the paediatric representative on the West Midlands sarcoma expert advisory group.
As a founding member of TYAC, an organisation set up to develop teenage and young adult cancer care in the NHS, he formally linked TYAC with CCLG. During this time, he oversaw initiatives to address specific challenges young cancer patients face, such as fertility preservation and palliative care.
Speaking on the Member Awards, CCLG Chief Executive, Ashley Ball-Gamble, said: “The sheer number of high-quality nominations and submissions speaks volumes about just how much outstanding work is happening and these awards represent all that is great and good about CCLG.
“I’d like to say a huge congratulations to our winners, and a thank you to them and all our members, who, through teamwork, innovation and endeavour, and with care and compassion, are helping us to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer and their families, both now and in the future."
Vibrant and cheerful
Dr Dave’s involvement has coincided with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust becoming one of the country’s leading young people’s post-treatment support charities. Last year, 671 young people joined us for a transformational sailing or outdoor adventure, the most in our 21-year history.
He will return to volunteer on another sailing adventure this summer in Largs. With any luck, so will one of his trademark shirts, which are always vibrant and cheerful, putting a smile on everyone’s face! Dr Hobin continues to expand our reach to underserved groups, including young adults, and provides essential guidance and advice.
Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO, Frank Fletcher, said: "It's fantastic to see Dr Dave Hobin's work rewarded. For nearly 20 years, he has given the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust his friendship and expertise, helping to shape our support so it best meets the needs of young people while improving the sector as a whole. We are immensely proud to have him Chair our Board of Trustees and grateful for his continued guidance."
Thank you Dave!