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Judy Dewinter was born in Chigwell, Essex. Her parents were founders of Chigwell Shul. She became a successful stockbroker but, when she was 33 years old, she was diagnosed with myeloma, a blood cancer and told she had just two years to live. Now, 27 years later, Judy is president of Myeloma UK and chair of the Royal Free Charity, the charity partner of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. In the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List, she was awarded an MBE for services to the NHS.
What first made you interested in-patient care?
I have experienced what cancer patients go through, both as an inpatient and outpatient at the Royal Free Hospital, where I had two bone marrow transplants. I received the most incredible care, but I also saw the challenges. My experience as a patient gave me purpose; it shaped my commitment to make sure patient voices are meaningfully heard.
I wanted to apply my business expertise to something that really mattered – ensuring the next person who walks through the hospital door has the best possible experience.
I joined the Royal Free London as a governor and then became chair of the Royal Free Charity in 2019. We have a big focus on innovation, research and cancer care and I’m proud that we were able to acquire the world’s most advance PET scanner for our patients, the first in the UK. I’m also extremely proud of The Pears Building, a major project that created a bespoke £60m research centre at the Royal Free Hospital.
Leading an NHS charity through the COVID-9 pandemic was both a challenge and a privilege. I’m very proud of the work we were able to deliver, thanks to the generosity of the public, to support our amazing NHS staff through the darkest of times.
What gave you the strength to carry on after you were given your cancer prognosis 27 years ago?
When I was diagnosed, my children were just one and three years old. I wanted to ensure a better future for me and my family. It became my mission and has become my therapy.
I’ve always believed you’re a statistic of one, and I chose not to believe there wasn’t a way through this and to keep going. The work we’ve done at Myeloma UK has resulted in massive progress for patients.
How has your experience of having myeloma been of benefit to others going through something similar?
When I was diagnosed, I was desperate to talk to someone who had survived for ten years or more to give me hope. I felt isolated and alone. So now, pretty much every day, I am approached by people with a cancer diagnosis, and I help them cope. I help them navigate the NHS, pointing them in the right direction, helping ensure they see the right person, armed with the right questions. If someone reaches out to me, I make it a priority to speak to them straight away, because I know what it’s like to be in their position shortly after a diagnosis.
Has being Jewish impacted the work you do?
While I’m not religious, I’m proud of being Jewish, and it’s always been an important part of my heritage and who I am. My parents taught me by their example to live in a way that prioritises kindness and responsibility for others, not just as ideals but as daily choices.
How did it feel to be awarded an MBE?
Being recognised with an MBE was a very pleasant surprise. It’s very heartening to be recognised for the impact I’ve had on the NHS, but I couldn’t have done it without the fantastic teams at Myeloma UK and the Royal Free Charity. I’m very conscious that you can’t do it on your own, and I’m very fortunate to work with some amazing, inspiring people every day.
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