FHT 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner and 2012 Excellence in Practice and Education awards ceremony

Released: 9 October, 2012

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations this year, the FHT hosted a special Gala Dinner on Friday 5 October at the prestigious Grange St Paul’s Hotel in London.

More than 200 FHT members, friends and supporters attended the event, hosted by Radio 2 presenter, Janey Lee Grace, to celebrate the association’s considerable achievements over the past five decades.

Guests received a warm welcome from Jennifer Wayte, President of the FHT, and John French, CEO, before enjoying an impromptu pre-dinner speech by David Tredinnick MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Integrated Health. Mr Tredinnick commented that with a new
Secretary of State for Health who is keen to transform the culture of the NHS, the future looks promising for complementary therapists.

Following a three-course dinner and table magic provided by Fay Presto and Hugh Nightingale, it was time for the much anticipated FHT 2012 Excellence in Education and Practice Awards ceremony. These awards serve to recognise the outstanding work being carried out by both therapy practitioners and students, with the case study awards kindly sponsored by FHT’s insurance underwriters, Hiscox.

Congratulations to:

FHT 2012 Excellence in Practice Award Winners

  • Sally Kay, FFHT, BSc – for her research and development of an innovative reflexology technique called reflexology lymphatic drainage;
  • Lisa Lees, MFHT – for founding a complementary therapy service that provides aromatherapy to children with life-limiting conditions;
  • Nicole Mitchell, MFHT – who has developed a course for therapists providing massage to clients with dementia.
  • FHT 2012 Excellence in Education Award Winners
  • Tina Parsons – Tutor of the Year (Burghley Academy)
  • Kate Barratt-Smith – Highly Commended Tutor of the Year (Bury College)
  • Caroline Tiler-Ansell, MFHT – Student of the Year (Kirklees College)
  • Sarah Moon, MFHT – Highly Commended Student of the Year (Peter Symonds College)
  • Beryl Johnston, MFHT – Case Study Award (Northern Regional College)
  • Philip Kilby, MFHT) – Case Study Award (Burton College)
  • Louise Summerscales, FHT Student Member – Case Study Award (West Nottingham College)

Congratulations also to the following Commended Tutors of the Year: Michele Broom; Julie Constable; Mary Dalgleish; Ruth Duncan; Rachel Fairweather; Ruth Johnston; Elaine Lancett; Mariette Lobo; Meghan Mari; Sue Masters; Jon Matson; Sandy Newbigging; Teresa Rich; Karen Rogers; Gabriele Steele and Sharon Watson.

FHT President’s Cup

First introduced many years ago by the FHT’s founding President, Mr Wallace Sharps, this prestigious award was dusted off to make a fresh appearance at the FHT’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner, at the request of the incumbent President, Jennifer Wayte. The cup was duly awarded to Herman Fenton, MFHT, for his unstinting ‘behind the scenes’ work, helping to promote the benefits of sports therapy and create initiatives that bring together professional sports practitioners with client groups most in need of professional and affordable treatment, including aspiring athletes and British veterans.

About the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)

The FHT is the UK and Ireland’s largest professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists. Founded in 1962, the FHT has been promoting the highest
standards in education and therapy practice for 50 years, and is totally independent of any external commercial interests. The FHT is a not-for-profit organisation, run by a governing
council elected from and by its membership. The FHT is happy to advise or comment to the media on any matters relating to complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapy, including training standards, safe and responsible practice, and regulation.

For media enquiries, more information and interviews, please contact Karen Young, Communications Manager:

kyoung@fht.org.uk
023 8062 4376