A freelance journalist whose powerful interviews with sarcoma patients have appeared in national newspapers is being recognised for helping to raise awareness of the rare cancer to millions of readers.
Deborah Cicurel, 35, from London, won the Media Excellence Award at Sarcoma UK’s Shining Star awards for her work spotlighting patients’ stories in titles including The Sun and the Mirror – articles that have not only boosted charitable donations but potentially saved lives by encouraging people to seek medical help for unexplained lumps.
Deborah started her career working for magazines such as Vanity Fair and Glamour before becoming a freelance journalist who has had articles published in a variety of titles.
She has frequently written about health matters. Her piece with Alexandra Hams, from Sidcup, whose baby Rafferty had fibromyxoid sarcoma, appeared in the Mirror. Shortly after, Deborah’s story about Natasha McGlinchey, from Norfolk, diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma, was published in The Sun.
She said of her health articles: “It is really rewarding, a lot of people who I speak to are raising money for charity – you see their donations have a massive boost when their story is published. You are also doing something to raise awareness, which is so important for sarcoma.” She added: “It always surprises me how positive people with sarcoma can be.” She notes that many sarcoma patients have a far from straightforward journey to a correct diagnosis.
On her articles raising awareness, she said: “Many people don’t want to bother their GP, but it is so important for people to get checked out if they have symptoms such as a random lump. Everyone I speak to is very passionate about raising awareness of cancer.” Like most people Deborah has had people close to her diagnosed with cancer.
She says she is “very grateful” to have won in the Media Excellence category of Sarcoma UK’s Shining Star awards. “I am over the moon to have won this award. I have never won anything nationally before. It already feels like I am winning because I am helping to raise awareness and money for charity.”
Mark Bhagwandin, Communications Manager at Sarcoma UK, said: “Despite being a rare cancer, every day 15 people are diagnosed with sarcoma. But behind every statistic is a person, a family and a story that deserves to be heard. Deborah’s work has demonstrated the power of compassionate journalism to help change lives. By telling the stories of sarcoma patients with sensitivity and skill, she has helped to bring this rare cancer into the national conversation and reached audiences we would struggle to reach alone. Her articles didn’t just inform millions of readers, they inspired action, whether that’s someone checking an unusual lump with their GP or donating to support sarcoma research. This award recognises not just Deborah’s journalistic excellence, but the real-world impact her reporting has had for the sarcoma community.”
