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Radiographer volunteers at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

This summer, Glasgow welcomed thousands of volunteers to support the delivery of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

Among them was Cleavon Shand, senior radiographer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, who joined the Boxing Field of Play Team. 

Taking place from 23 July until 2 August, this year’s Commonwealth Games brought the event back to Glasgow – only the third city to host the event twice.

Cleavon said: “Volunteering at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games was an amazing experience. On day one we received training and met the sport competition management team and fellow volunteers. On the second day I operated athlete services in the warm-up area, and on the third day I was a nation board bearer. It was incredibly rewarding, and I would very much like to participate in another sporting event in the future.”

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Obituary: Katy Cooper

It is with great sadness that we share the tragic passing of our colleague and friend Katy Cooper, who worked as a clinical trials practitioner in the radiotherapy trials team at the Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre. 

Katy was deeply passionate about radiotherapy, her work and the care she provided, and she truly made a lasting difference to the lives of so many people. She was greatly valued by her patients and held in great affection by colleagues across Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Her passion for radiotherapy, cancer care and clinical trials extended far beyond her clinical role. Through her work with Rad Chat, Radiotherapy UK and the Society of Radiographers, Katy was a dedicated advocate for raising awareness of the profession and the vital role that radiotherapy has in cancer care. 

More recently, she had also become a passionate supporter of raising awareness of brain tumours, continuing her commitment to improving understanding and making a difference for patients and their families.

Memorial: Stewart Clapperton

Stewart began his career in radiography in 1961 and remained a highly respected member of the SoR throughout his life

Stewart Clapperton, a dedicated and highly respected member of the SoR, has passed away.

After his training as a Diagnostic Radiographer, Stewart became closely involved with the SoR and spent many years dedicating his life to supporting members of the society, through advocacy of equal rights for the LGBTQI+ community and through his time on UK Council. 

In 2000, Stewart was presented with the Fellowship of the College of Radiographers by past president Janet Reid, for his service as industrial relations representative and health and safety representative at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton. 

Speaking at the time, Janet said: “Stewart epitomises what a regional rep should be, ensuring effective two-way communication and making sure council was aware of the views of those he represented. He had a determination not to let council off the hook if he wasn’t happy and it is testimony to Stewart that the award of the fellowship, which is not given lightly, had the support of all of council.”

Stewart trained in radiography in the army during his national service in Germany, and spent many years contributing to the profession. From 1989 until 2000, Stewart served on UK Council, and was a trustee of the College of Radiographers.

Stewart was a trustee and later chair of the SoR employees’ pension fund. He began that role in 1996 and continued on the board until 2010. 

Richard Evans, CEO of the SoR, said he was privileged to have known Stewart, in this and other roles when he took up his position in 2004

He was also an enthusiastic delegation member for the South East region every year at the Annual Delegates Conference, and a passionate speaker who was particularly outspoken on the importance of equality.

Stewart was involved in what would become equalities group Equalise within the SoR, and delivered equality training for society staff even after his retirement. 

Richard added: “He had an enormous sense of humour, and was very gentle and approachable, but with a fierce sense of the need to defend equal rights with amazing energy, which continued until he finally retired. It’s very sad to hear the news of his death.”

Karen Smith, past president of the SoR, said: “I feel incredibly privileged to have known Stewart through the Society of Radiographers. He was a constant source of support and encouragement, especially at the Annual Delegates Conference, where he had a remarkable ability to put nervous speakers at ease. No matter how busy he was, he always found time to chat, offer thoughtful advice and generously share his experience.

“When I think of Stewart, I smile. I remember his laughter, his mischievous sense of humour and the many jokes and japes that brightened long conference days. He made people feel welcome and included, and he had a gift for bringing out the best in others.

“Stewart cared deeply about fairness, equality and the profession he loved. As an openly gay man, he understood the importance of creating spaces where everyone felt accepted, valued and able to thrive. He quietly championed others, celebrated their successes and encouraged people to believe in themselves.

“The Society of Radiographers has lost one of its true champions, but Stewart’s kindness, generosity, humour and unwavering belief in people will continue to live on in the many colleagues and friends whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”

Audrey Paterson, past president and SoR historian, explained that it was not until almost the end of Stewart’s tenure on UK Council that the Trade Union Congress held its very first Lesbian and Gay conference in 1998. 

The SoR established its own Lesbian and Gay Network, which met for the first time in March 1999, with Stewart as the responsible council member. 

Stewart had been a member of the London and Home Counties Branch for some years before his election to council as a regional member, with a wealth of experience as both a health and safety representative and an industrial relations representative. 

Audrey added: “I shall remember him for his unfailing personal support and friendship, and his integrity, dependability, good humour and good grace. He was often the voice of the silent majority, a ‘feet on the ground’ council member who represented members’ concerns without fear or favour, and without ever raising his voice.”

Marie Bullough, regional officer for the South East from 1993, remembers Stewart with great fondness and respect. It was Stewart who first persuaded her to become an IR rep in Brighton in 1985. 

Marie said: “I have Stewart to thank for encouraging me to use my personality to my and SoR members’ advantage. I worked very closely with Stewart for many years until he retired. He was a very caring person who sent me a Christmas card every year and invited me to be a witness at his wedding to Keith. Stewart was always thinking of others and how he could help them. He wasn’t interested in getting to be president but preferred to ‘rock the boat’ on behalf of members. Rest in peace, Stewart.”

Sue Johnson, professional officer for clinical imaging and past president of the SoR, said: “I have many happy memories of Stewart and his approach, especially at ADC meetings. His style was often to speak as much as possible, but always in a way that made you stop and think. He was never afraid to challenge conventional wisdom or ask the awkward question that others might have avoided.

“While I disagreed with some of his views, we were always able to debate them professionally, robustly and usually with a good dose of humour. I respected him greatly for that.”