The 2027 judging panel

Declan-Lee O’Leary is a paramedic with an NHS Specialist Operations Response Team, the specialist unit trained to respond to major incidents and the most hazardous and complex emergencies. Alongside his frontline work he drives change at national level: he chairs an NHS staff network, is communications officer for his trade union, and sits on the National Ambulance LGBT+ Committee, where he leads national projects to improve care, experience and equity for diverse communities.

Freya Selman is a doctoral researcher at the University of Bristol, where her PhD focuses on the mental health of autistic children and young people. She founded the Bristol University Neurodiversity Society, creating peer support for neurodivergent students and changing how university services understand neurodiversity, and has published guidance on good practice. Her experience includes leading the user voice for a new children’s mental health service and supporting disabled young people through a short breaks scheme. She is committed to shaping policy and practice for neurodivergent people.

Alison Cann is a senior nurse who spent many years at Barts Health NHS Trust, one of the largest NHS trusts in England, as its Built Environment Specialist Nurse. Combining frontline nursing with expertise in compliance, risk and healthcare design standards, she worked with estates and clinical teams to make hospitals safe and inclusive for patients, staff and visitors, leading on dementia-friendly design, ligature risk management and neurodiversity-inclusive environments. She is a passionate advocate for animal-assisted therapy.

Sharon Hibbin O’Brien is an entrepreneur whose career spans intelligence, investigation and business. After an MPhil in Computer Science from the University of Exeter, she worked as an intelligence analyst and investigator in the police and government sector, building a reputation for sharp analytical thinking and problem-solving. She retrained in Melbourne and, on returning to the UK, founded HiP Pilates Studio, now a highly regarded business entering its eleventh year, with a thriving community helping people of all ages build strength, health and confidence.

Nicky Harding is co-founder and director of EDGE, a supported employment and alternative learning provision for young people aged 11 and over. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Nicky has built routes into education, employment and independence for young people who do not fit traditional education models. A champion of inclusive learning, Nicky is dedicated to giving young people the confidence and skills that open doors to meaningful work.

Laura Joanknecht is a BACP accredited integrative relational counsellor, supervisor and trainer, practising with The Therapy Space Wales from her practice near Welshpool. Her extensive qualifications span person-centred counselling, couples and family therapy, EMDR, psychosexual therapy, supervision and education, alongside a degree in psychology. She is an NCS accredited therapist and supervisor and a registered therapist with leading health insurers including BUPA, Aviva and Cigna. Her work centres on empowering people to make sense of their experiences and build a stronger sense of themselves.

Paige White is an entrepreneur who has built an impressive career in the traditionally male-dominated security industry. Starting out at 18, she rose into international close protection, travelling the world protecting high-profile clients and leading security teams. In 2021 she co-founded White Force Security Ltd, which delivers close protection, commercial security and major events security across the UK. Her journey from the front line to managing director brings real insight into leadership, resilience and what it takes for women to succeed where they are least expected.

Katie White is a property entrepreneur and the founder of Katie White Estate Agents Ltd, building her business in one of the most competitive sectors there is. Working with The Agency UK, an established national property network, she combines the independence of owning her own business with the reach of a national brand. She brings expertise in business development, client relationships and negotiation, and first-hand understanding of the ambition and determination it takes to build a business and a reputation of your own.

Kate Molloy is a registered children’s nurse and specialist community public health nurse (health visitor) with almost three decades in nursing. Her advanced public health training spans child development, safeguarding, family health and early intervention: recognising vulnerability, promoting positive mental health and making sure children and families get the right support at the right time. She brings deep insight into what exceptional, compassionate care looks like, and into the difference dedicated professionals make, often without recognition.

Jo Lynch is a senior nurse who served Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for more than 30 years, most recently as its Chief Nursing Officer. The trust provides mental health and learning disability services for communities across Surrey and North East Hampshire. As its most senior nurse, Jo helped steer compassionate, high-quality care across the organisation. She has always given credit to the colleagues around her, saying their dedication “supports so many people’s recovery”. She brings a deep understanding of what compassionate care looks like and of the teams who make it happen.

Daisy Anderson is Chief Executive Officer of RASASC Guildford (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre), which supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse across Surrey.

Before joining RASASC Guildford, Daisy worked at the children’s mental health charity Place2Be where she was most recently Area Manager for London Central overseeing support for young people in schools, and before that Cluster Manager, supporting the managerial and clinical work of a team of school-based practitioners. She has also worked as a counsellor at Rape Crisis South London and in her own private practice.

Daisy believes that with the right support at the right time, recovery is possible. She is committed to raising awareness, opening up conversations and building the skills and confidence of everyone who supports survivors, and she brings that experience and care to the Elysian Awards judging panel.

Mei Lai Lu is the Participation Manager at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, where she is dedicated to ensuring care-experienced young people feel heard, valued and empowered to influence the services that affect their lives. She also manages the Care Leavers HUB, promoting Hope, Unity and Belonging and creating opportunities for young people and targeted youth groups. Mei Lai brings both professional expertise and lived experience of the care system to her role. Her background spans participation, advocacy, youth justice, family intervention, volunteering and youth unemployment.