Dr Mark Gaze recognised for exceptional contributions to neuroblastoma research and patient care 

We are proud to honour Clinical Oncologist Dr Mark Gaze with the inaugural Dr Audrey Evans Award.

Dr Mark Gaze, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London Hospitals, has been named the first-ever recipient of the award, presented at our annual Christmas Concert on 18 December 2025. The honour recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to neuroblastoma research and patient care. 

Named in tribute to Dr Audrey Evans, a pioneering paediatric oncologist affectionately known as the ‘Mother of Neuroblastoma’, this award celebrates her legacy of scientific innovation, compassionate care, and unwavering advocacy for children and families affected by cancer. 

For more than 30 years, Dr Gaze has been at the forefront of improving treatment for neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. He has led innovation in targeted radiotherapy, including pioneering approaches in molecular radiotherapy. His work has shaped clinical trials and treatment protocols that have expanded treatment options and influenced international standards of care. 

“It is a tremendous privilege to receive the inaugural Dr Audrey Evans Award. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Evans on a number of occasions over the last thirty years. She leaves an incredible legacy in the field of neuroblastoma understanding, and other aspects of children's cancer. She remains a wonderful role model, and I am honoured to be recognised in her name. We have seen significant advances in neuroblastoma care, and I remain committed to driving further improvements in treatments and outcomes for every child affected by this disease.” — Professor Mark Gaze 

Dr Evans’ contributions transformed childhood cancer care, including the development of the Evans Staging System, her leadership in establishing the Children’s Cancer Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and her co-founding of the Ronald McDonald House, which has supported millions of families worldwide. 

Her story reached new audiences in the 2024 film Audrey’s Children, produced by Emblem Entertainment, Amasia Entertainment, and Resonate Entertainment, with Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer portraying Dr Evans and bringing her legacy to life on screen. 

Dr Gaze’s recognition reflects the qualities that defined Dr Evans’ work: compassion, innovation, and collaboration. Throughout his career, he has placed children and families at the heart of care, championing approaches that minimise harm while improving outcomes. His commitment to listening to families and ensuring their voices are heard at every stage of care, along with his leadership in collaborative research and tireless advocacy for better care pathways, embodies what this award seeks to honour. 

The inaugural Dr Audrey Evans Award was generously sponsored by Renaissance Pharma Ltd. 

Renaissance Pharma Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Essential Pharma Group.