Judith Buckle Award 2020
Posthumously awarded to Emma and Katy Davis
The award presentation was delivered by Trustee, Rachael Humphreys at the online 2020 AGM & Conference.
As we all know, Judith Buckle was a nurse who suffered from Behçet’s and strove to raise awareness and support for others with this debilitating condition by setting up the Behçet’s Syndrome Society in 1983, now Behçet’s UK. This is exactly what Emma and Katy accomplished all their lives – helping others, whether that be through helping patients in their nursing careers or their commitment to supporting others with Behçet’s. As recipients of the 2020 Judith Buckle Award this could not be a more fitting tribute in honour of their memory. It recognises the enduring support and assistance that, over the years, the identical twins Emma and Katy offered many fellow Behçet’s UK members and patients.
After Emma and Katy’s sad death within days of each other, and the national announcement on the BBC News on the 24th April 2020, a number of members immediately got in touch to reflect on the positive impact that the twins had on others suffering from the remitting and relapsing Behçet’s. Their compassion always came over strongly.
Many people noted that Emma and Katy routinely attended Behçet’s Group Meetings, and were active members on the Behçet’s forums, always cheerful and positively sharing their experience and knowledge of the condition in order to help others.
Kind and personable, they were universally liked and their passing was really felt within the Behçet’s community. They were always interested in helping other patients and members as much as possible, and often spoke to people on the phone, by text, or by email. When their health permitted, they attended annual general meetings, patient listening days, and the occasional stop at the pub with other patients after a clinic! It was notable how well they interacted with others in clinic; always so friendly and bright, despite their own suffering.
It also serves to recognise the outstanding care, attention, and humanity that Emma and Katy offered so many other individuals during their time as nurses at University Hospital Southampton, and elsewhere.
Representatives from University Hospital Southampton have complimented them highly.
“[Emma was] an excellent nurse who was calm and cheerful and a good leader. She was well-liked by all and was a valuable member of the team during her time with us.”
Gail Byrne,
Director of Nursing, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust“I want to pay tribute to Katy who sadly passed away on Tuesday. Katy has been described by her colleagues where she worked in child health as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her”.
Paula Head,
Chief Executive, University Hospital Southampton“She has been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who has had time for everyone to share their skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care.”
Presentation by Trustee, Rachael Humphreys
The Royal College of Nursing
Local restrictions due to Covid-19 meant that the award was presented by the Mayor of Yeovil at a small private ceremony and was accepted by Emma and Katy’s parents, Julie and Alan and sister Zoe.
We are extremely proud and incredibly humbled to receive this very meaningful award on behalf of our beautiful girls, Emma and Katy. Behçet’s UK and it’s community have been part of our family’s life for many years and have been a fundamental source of support for us all.
Emma and Katy were both firm believers that you should always give back to those who have given to you and they were therefore very active members of the Behçet’s UK community. They were both members of the online support groups and both took part in group social meetings whenever they were well enough to attend.
The knowledge and caring from their nursing background always extended into their personal lives to those around them and they would always lend an ear to others in their times of trouble, imparting their wisdom wherever they felt it helpful, ensuring that others’ needs were prioritised above their own. They were also always keen to participate in new research initiatives for Behçet’s UK and gave regular donations to the Charity too.
We always knew that Emma and Katy were two very special young ladies, but since leaving us too soon earlier this year, we have been quite overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and gratitude from all of those whose lives they touched. To be given this award, is another very poignant reminder of just how much impact they had.
We are obviously incredibly heartbroken that they cannot receive this award in person, but knowing them both so well it is incredibly likely that they would have felt they didn’t deserve the recognition for what was just a matter of course to them both! And that’s exactly who they were – kind, generous and beautiful human beings who gave their all to others until the last. We cannot be prouder of them or more grateful for them having been recognised by such a meaningful Charity, which we fully intend to continue giving our full support to. Thank you so much to all those who voted for Emma and Katy to be given this award and long may they be remembered.
Julie, Alan, Zoe Davis and family