Barbara Wood Awards
Barbara Wood Awards
The Barbara Wood Citizens Awards are among the highest honours presented by the British Polio Fellowship.
Each year, two awards are given:
- One to a polio survivor, and
- One to a supporter who has not had polio
These awards recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication, compassion, and service to the Fellowship, its members and the wider polio community on a national level.
Nominations come directly from within the Fellowship from those who see first-hand the extraordinary impact these individuals make.
Barbara Wood Awards 2026
Nominations for the 2026 Barbara Wood Citizens Awards have now closed.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the British Polio Fellowship and the wider polio community.
We are delighted to announce George Allan and Dr Robin Luff as the recipients of the 2026 Barbara Wood Citizens Awards.
Nominations for the 2027 Barbara Wood Awards will open next year, with further details published on this page.
Polio Category Winner
George Allan
George Allan receives the 2026 Polio Award in recognition of many years of dedication, knowledge and advocacy within the polio community.
George contracted polio during the major epidemic of 1947, and his early experiences helped shape a lifelong commitment to supporting other polio survivors.
As Chair of the Scottish Post Polio Network since 2017, George has worked extensively to raise awareness of polio and Post-Polio Syndrome among healthcare professionals, service providers and wider society. He has also contributed to the British Polio Fellowship’s work, including the development of the Optimal Clinical Pathway.
Closer to home, George has been a key member of the BPF Tayside Branch for many years, offering knowledge, advice and personal support to fellow members.
As his nomination put it:
“He has always been a rock that has supported group members when required.”
His dedication to improving understanding and support for polio survivors makes George a very worthy recipient of the 2026 Polio Award.
Non-Polio Category Winner
Dr Robin Luff
Dr Robin Luff receives the 2026 Non-Polio Award in recognition of his outstanding clinical support and longstanding commitment to polio survivors.
As a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the Lane Fox Post-Polio Clinic at St Thomas’ Hospital, Dr Luff became a trusted figure for many people living with the late effects of polio and Post-Polio Syndrome.
His contribution extended well beyond his clinical work. Dr Luff was involved with the British Polio Fellowship’s Expert Panel from 2006 and served as Chair from 2012 until 2019, providing clinical guidance to members and helping develop important BPF information and resources.
Even in retirement, he has continued to support the polio community, including attending the Fellowship’s 2026 Health & Wellbeing Conference.
Frances Quinn, who nominated Dr Luff, said:
“He has provided much-needed clinical support to the BPF, its members and the wider polio community and was always a pleasure to work with.”
His expertise, compassion and long-standing service make Dr Robin Luff a very deserving recipient of the 2026 Non-Polio Award.
