The independent judging panel (chaired by Roy Lilley) were looking for a person who has that extra something, they were looking for the 'special one'. It was clear to all the judges that Ruth certainly has that indefinable quality and she is a worthy winner of the prestigious award National Practice Manager of the Year 2008.

One Saturday afternoon in July 2006, Ruth's practice was burnt to the ground. Yet the next Monday morning's surgery was held in the nearby house of a receptionist. They later decamped into a church hall, and Ruth organised the patients to deliver leaflets in the area to inform everyone about the new temporary arrangements. Like a phoenix that rose from the flames, she then set about rebuilding the practice that reopened in February-2007 .All this WITHOUT THE LOSS OF A SINGLE QoF POINT.

Ruth who has run three London Marathons, said 'my dream when I was younger was to win an Olympic medal and now I have got that medal…it's not about me, you are only as good as the team you work with, and I am lucky that I have a fantastic team here'.

A working Mum, Ruth has also studied for a Master's degree in her spare time.

Presenting at the Williams Medical Supplies National Practice Management Conference that preceded the dinner, Double Gold Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes was so impressed when she heard of Ruth's achievements that she passed on a personal message of her congratulations.

National Runner-Up

Moira Harvey of the Whiteinch Medical Practice in Glasgow was the national runner-up. The judges were highly impressed with the full range of services offered at the practice, despite challenges presented in a deprived area.