Solving Kids’ Cancer UK’s Chair of Trustees awarded MBE
We are delighted to announce that our wonderful Chair of Trustees, Nick Bird, has been awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours list for his exceptional services to research and advocacy for children affected by neuroblastoma. This distinguished recognition reflects Nick’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children battling one of the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer.
Nick’s journey began in 2009 when his youngest son, Adam, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just five years old. Over the next four years, Adam underwent intensive treatment in the UK, Germany, and the United States. Despite these efforts, Adam tragically passed away in 2013. Since then, Nick has focussed his energy and relentless drive to support other families and advance research aimed at finding better, kinder treatments for children.
In 2016, Nick joined the Board of Trustees at Solving Kids’ Cancer UK and became Chair of the Board in 2018. Under his leadership, the charity has emerged as a key player in the childhood cancer research community. Nick has been instrumental in positioning the organisation as a leading funder of innovative, patient-centred clinical trials, championing international collaboration, and advocating for research that prioritises children’s needs.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I’ve worked with, learned from, and leaned on for support over the past 15 years. None of this was ever part of my life plan. This award truly belongs to my beautiful “middle-sized boy”, Adam, in whose memory I strive to help find better treatments for children with cancer, particularly neuroblastoma—the disease that took him from me. Our children need and deserve so much more. While I still have a voice, I will use it. As long as I can push for change, I will. If I can, then I must. All because of Adam.”
Nick Bird
Nick’s contributions extend beyond the charity. As a respected advocate in the field, he has worked tirelessly to represent the perspectives of families in childhood cancer research. He has served as a patient expert on national and international committees, contributed to academic publications, and played a pivotal role in shaping frameworks for parent and patient involvement in research networks.
Gail Jackson, CEO of Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, praised Nick’s leadership and dedication: “We are absolutely delighted that Nick has been awarded an MBE. His unwavering commitment and leadership over the years have been instrumental in shaping the charity’s work and making a real difference to the lives of families affected by neuroblastoma. Nick’s dedication to advocating for children and advancing research is truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to work alongside him and we are so proud that his tireless efforts to improve outcomes for children with neuroblastoma has been recognised in the King’s New Years Honours list.”
Through his advocacy, Nick has ensured that the voices of children and their families are heard at every level of the research process. His work continues to drive progress in developing innovative treatments that aim to save lives while reducing the devastating side effects of current therapies.