Krunal Sharma remembered in special staff award at NHS LPP

A former colleague and friend at NHS London Procurement Partnership, Krunal Sharma, who sadly passed away in 2021 to bowel cancer, has been remembered through a special staff award – the ‘Krunal Sunshine’ staff award.

The award was set up in memory of Krunal, who was always making others smile with his positive attitude and fun loving ways. Staff were encouraged to make nominations outside of their own teams, as Krunal had friends across all teams. The award was presented to Andrew Mumby, Workforce Director at NHS LPP, on Monday 27 June 2022, for always being approachable, friendly and willing to help, and his ability to bring fun to the workplace.

Lee Joseph, Deputy Managing Director at NHS LPP, said: "When Laura, a former colleague of Krunal, suggested that we name an award in Krunal’s memory, it just felt right. Krunal always had a smile, a positive attitude and more often than not an idea on how he could make the NHS a brighter place. I personally feel privileged to have known Krunal and feel humbled to have had the opportunity to present the prestigious Sunshine award in his name.”

Krunal worked at NHS LPP from July 2016 to June 2018 as a Category Specialist and is dearly missed and remembered by all who knew him, including Steph Alexander, Assistant Workforce Director at NHS LPP, who said: “Krunal was and is one of the best people I have ever met, and after he left NHS LPP we stayed in touch constantly. He is the brother I never had. He didn’t worry anyone with his illness, he continued to be constantly happy, positive and cracking jokes, but most of all he stayed strong always.”

On discovering the new staff award at NHS LPP, Nimisha, Krunal’s wife, said: “What an incredible honour – Krunal would have been so proud.”

Blue Light Card is kindly sponsoring this annual award and Tom Dalby, CEO at Blue Light Card said: “All of us here at Blue Light Card are delighted to be sponsoring the Krunal Sunshine Award. In recent months, we've seen first-hand the importance of celebrating the people who bring us joy and uplift us, even when times are difficult. Now more than ever, we must recognise and celebrate those who embody optimism and joy within the workplace, and to never take it for granted.”

Krunal’s sister, Manisha Bhayani, Senior Marketing Engagement Manager supporting NHS trusts and services at Blue Light Card, is also touched and so thankful by this special award.

Krunal’s family have been raising awareness to make sure young people with advanced cancer get the help they need from early diagnosis. His family has set up a JustGiving in his memory to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK. If you would like to donate, please view the JustGiving page here, where you can read more about Krunal’s story in the words of his family and friends.