Lifelong Sunderland supporter, Steve Hogg, received a special surprise as two of Sunderland AFC’s most senior players were joined by a Black Cats legend to name him this month’s Top Cat winner.
Sunderland AFC legend, Kevin Ball, was joined at the Stadium of Light by Seb Larsson and club captain John O’Shea to recognise Steve Hogg’s support and dedication to health research in the region as well as his lifelong support of Sunderland AFC.
Steve, who had a stroke more than 10 years ago, was nominated by Dr Chris Elliott, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead at the Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria, for his role as a Patient Research Ambassador at City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
As part of Steve’s role he volunteers and supports the National Institute for Health Research who support the delivery of clinical trials in hospitals across the region to improve treatments and services for local people. Last Summer, Steve was invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace where he was recognised for his contribution to research and the Stroke Association.
Dr Chris Elliott, said: “I met Steve a few years ago and I nominated him because he is an inspirational ambassador for health research and provides essential feedback and input from a patient’s perspective. He’s a really special guy and he really loves Sunderland.”
Club captain, John O’Shea, added: “It is great to recognise fans like Steve. The work he has put in to raise awareness to improve treatments in the region is amazing and the fact he has been acknowledged by the Queen is a testament to him as a person. It makes you realise how special a group of fans we have here at Sunderland.”
For more information about the National Institute for Health Research visit http://www.nihr.ac.uk/patients-and-public/how-to-join-in/patient-research-ambassadors, http://www.nihr.ac.uk/nencumbria and www.makingresearchbetter.co.uk.
#TopCat is a brand new monthly prize draw, where fans can nominate themselves or another fan, who they feel deserves special recognition.
As #TopCat they will win a table for four in one of the Stadium of Light’s award-winning hospitality suites for a Premier League fixture, including a special Black Cats experience.
To nominate simply share your stories and photographs by using the hashtag #TopCat or email competitions@safc.com.