SANDRA WELCH RECEIVES MNWB’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Sandra Welch receives MNWB’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Seafarers Hospital Society are delighted to share that their CEO, Sandra Welch, was among several maritime welfare heroes celebrated at the MNWB Annual Awards at London’s Trinity House on 18th February. These awards celebrated leaders, frontline workers and volunteers from across the maritime welfare sector, with a record number of nominations highlighting the exceptional efforts of individuals and organisations working tirelessly to support seafarers and fishers across the UK.

Sandra was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by MNWB patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, in recognition of her exceptional and sustained impact on seafarers’ health and wellbeing. Since 2020, Sandra’s leadership across collaborative programmes has contributed significantly to sector-wide progress, and improved access to essential healthcare for seafarers across the UK. She has overseen nationwide enhancements to physiotherapy provision, strengthened mental health support, and spearheaded pioneering gender-responsive initiatives, including the Feminine Hygiene Project, which has provided more than 1,000 discreet hygiene kits to women seafarers.

Accepting her award, Sandra said:

“As Chief Executive of the Seafarers Hospital Society, I have the privilege of leading an organisation whose mission has remained unchanged for 205 years. I have worked across numerous pioneering projects alongside dedicated, inspiring colleagues, and feel incredibly proud of the demonstrable impact these are having on the lives of seafarers across the UK. I am humbled to be receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award and feel honoured to have been acknowledged among so many inspiring maritime professionals. I extend my deepest thanks, and pledge to continue working tirelessly as a force for change on behalf of seafarers everywhere.”

Sandra was among six deserving recipients honoured across five categories, each recognising excellence in innovation, collaboration, lifelong commitment, frontline welfare delivery and voluntary service. The awards reflected the diversity of roles and dedication within the maritime welfare network.

On behalf of everyone here at SHS, we extend a huge Congratulations to Sandra for this well deserved honour!

Image: Seafarers Hospital Society