Cardiff graduate an ‘inspiration’ says Prime Minister

23 November 2010

Dr John with Tom Jones

Image courtesy of Pride of Britain

Prime Minister David Cameron has hailed Cardiff medical graduate Dr Allison John an ‘inspiration’ to the country at a special lunch at Downing Street.

Mr Cameron told Dr John he thought her story was remarkable and he was surprised she had made the decision to become a doctor after all her treatments.

Allison, who overcame major health problems to become a doctor, was recognised in the annual Pride of Britain Awards.

At six weeks old, Dr John was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and over the last 30 years has lived with the physical and emotional trauma of receiving a new heart, lungs, liver and kidney – including one operation where she remained awake instead of a riskier general anaesthetic, which could have further endangered her life.

Despite this and the many forced periods out of her studies, Dr John completed a degree in Neuroscience from the School of Biosciences in 2001 before eventually completing her medical studies at Cardiff and becoming a junior doctor at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital in August.

Professor Paul Morgan, Dean of the School of Medicine, said: “Dr John’s story is truly remarkable. The Pride of Britain Awards rightly recognises those people who, despite all the odds, achieve their aims. From everyone at the School of Medicine we congratulate Dr John on her well deserved award.”

The Pride of Britain Awards is an annual event, celebrating the achievements of some of the UK’s truly remarkable people.

Hosted by Carol Vorderman - who was made an Honorary Fellow of the University in 2008 - winners come from all walks of life and from all age groups, but they have one thing in common - they inspire others.

Dr John received her Special Recognition Award at a star-studded ceremony in London.