Sam Griffiths, who leads our Macmillan Benefits Service, and Andy Atkinson from our Finance Team were invited in recognition of their outstanding contribution and the difference they make behind the scenes for our patients.
Sam and her team helped patients access an incredible £6.6m of support they were entitled to in 2025/26, helping to relieve the financial stress and money worries faced by so many people after their cancer diagnosis. Andy makes sure we get the most benefit for patients from every pound of NHS funding by managing our money well and spending it on the right things.
The 10 Downing Street celebration recognised the extraordinary efforts and hard work of NHS staff on the health service’s 78th birthday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary James Murray spoke of their personal appreciation of the NHS as they welcomed staff from across the country.
“Being invited to 10 Downing Street was a very special experience,” said Sam. “I got to meet the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary and the garden party was fantastic. It was lovely to meet people from so many different NHS organisations and such a privilege to be recognised in this way.”
Andy, Head of Financial Management and Planning at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, added: "It was an honour to represent Clatterbridge and to celebrate the amazing work of the NHS with colleagues from across the country."
