St James’ Hospital worker chosen as winner of Lord Mayor’s award

A caterer in St James’s Hospital has been chosen as the winner of the Lord Mayor’s Award for the month of December.

Naimia Chebli is based in Hollybrook Lodge in Inchicore, the hospital’s long stay residential unit for the elderly.

Lord May Hazel Chu said: “It’s always so difficult to pick a winner of the Lord Mayor’s Award each month because there are so many outstanding candidates.

“I chose Naima this month because she sounds like a wonderful person who goes above and beyond to make a meaningful difference to the lives of other people in St James’s Hospital.

“Little things we all do can have a big impact on people. Naima is a very worthy winner.”

Naima was nominated for the award by Ciaran Murray, who works with the elderly in the Mary McAleese Unit of Hollybrook Lodge.

“For the past 3 months Naima has given up her lunch-time while she is in work to perform Karaoke sessions for patients,” said Murray.

“Clients who typically refuse to join in groups or eat in the dining rooms have been coming to these sessions.

“Naima is bright, cheerful and always singing.

“She lifts everyone’s spirits and has single-handedly changed the culture, which I haven’t managed to do in four years!

“Recently, infection control said she cannot sing anymore and it broke her heart.”

As winner of the award for December, Naima received a piece of specially-commissioned sculpture and a gift voucher worth €1,000.

“I’m on top of the world to get this award,” said Naima.

“I just feel overwhelmed. I can’t get the smile off my face.”

“This year has been so challenging for everyone, but it’s really ending on a high.

“My year has just been made. I sing songs with some of the elderly people from the era that they remember best.

“We sing Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, all the old ones. Some of the elderly people won’t speak but they really enjoy reminiscing through song.

“I’m really over the moon today. This award won’t leave my side!”

The commissioned sculpture, ‘Harecules’ and was made by sculptor Stephanie Hess and sourced through DesignYard.

The hare symbolises strength in Celtic mythology.

“I feel enormously honoured to have been commissioned to create seven bespoke bronze sculptures which will be presented to the recipients whose extraordinary efforts in this extraordinary time have made a real difference in the lives of their fellow citizens,” said Hess.

“I wanted to portray the balancing act achieved by our frontline workers in a joyful way.

“The hares playfully represent the support & strength needed to juggle the elements of care, work and family, as well as embodying the sense of community and celebration.”

The Lord Mayor’s Awards, which usually take place annually, are taking place monthly this year to honour and thank those who have worked tirelessly for us on the frontline in this pandemic.