Vickie Gadd,  Lead CNS for Gynae Oncology Genetics and Family History for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW), has been recognised for her long-standing voluntary work with a local group supporting women across Kent who are living with BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene alterations, following a formal award presentation.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK, equivalent to an MBE – was officially presented to BRCA Kent by Lady Annabel Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, on 22 April at Maidstone Hospital.

For many years, Vickie has volunteered her time and expertise to support women with a faulty BRCA gene, contributing to the success of BRCA Kent, which was founded in 2014 by Elizabeth Leech and Suzannah Fitzgerald, Lead Breast CNS for Genetics and Family History at East Kent.

Elizabeth has been instrumental in shaping how the group operates and the support it offers based on her own personal experience. Vickie’s involvement dates back many years, assisting Elizabeth in facilitating group meetings at Maidstone Hospital, with Suzannah doing the same in East Kent, ensuring local access for affected women across the county.

Women who carry faulty BRCA genes may face up to a 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 44% risk of ovarian cancer, making specialist guidance and emotional support crucial. Drawing on their clinical knowledge and experience, Vickie and Suzannah have played a key role in guiding, informing and supporting women facing difficult decisions about their health and future.

Through her voluntary role with the group, Vickie helps bring together women who have been diagnosed with a mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2. These may include women who have been affected by cancer previously, be undergoing current treatment or unaffected by cancer but considering risk-reducing treatment options.

She supports meetings, provides expert information, and helps create a safe, compassionate space where women can share experiences and build connections during an extremely vulnerable period.

Beyond individual support, Vickie has also contributed to raising awareness among healthcare professionals across Kent. She has taken part in community education events covering topics such as understanding family history, improving referral pathways to family history clinics, and explaining risk-reducing surgery and surveillance options.

The recognition of the group’s work highlights the impact of Vickie’s dedication outside her clinical responsibilities at MTW. To mark the award, the volunteer team have been invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next month as part of the honour.

BRCA Kent Founder, Elizabeth said: “I am absolutely delighted and incredibly honoured to receive the KAVS Award on behalf of all our volunteers. We are passionate about supporting women with a faulty BRCA gene in our county and educating our local healthcare professionals.”

“We have worked extremely hard over the past decade to create a safe and caring
community for our members and are immensely proud of what we have achieved.”

Reflecting on the award, Vickie added: “We were shocked and delighted to find out that we have been given The King’s Award in the King’s Birthday Honours list. It is a testament to our lead volunteer and founder, Elizabeth Leech, who works tirelessly with such drive, determination and passion to support women in Kent. We are thrilled that this work has been recognised in this way.”

Find out more about the group via the website or by contacting info@brcakent.org.uk