ABS Lifetime Achievement Award Winners 2026

The Association of Breast Surgery is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, aimed at recognising exceptional contributions in the field of breast care.

The award ceremony took place at the ABS Conference 2026 in June. 

ABS Nursing Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Miss Lis Grimsey has made an outstanding contribution to breast care nursing over more than three decades. A pioneering nurse practitioner and one of the first Consultant Nurses in the UK, she has played a leading role in advancing breast care through clinical practice, education, international collaboration and service development.

Throughout her career, she has inspired others through her leadership, expertise and commitment to improving care for patients and supporting the professional development of nurses working in breast services. Her work with the ABS, including serving as the first ABS Nursing Trustee, supporting nurse education in Zimbabwe and Uganda, and helping to develop the award-winning online Breast Care Course, has had a lasting impact both in the UK and internationally.

Through these achievements, along with her wider contributions to teaching, publishing and advocacy, Lis has helped shape and strengthen breast care nursing for future generations.

ABS Lifetime Achievement Award Surgical Winner

Mr Mark Sibbering has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to breast care through his clinical leadership, service innovation, commitment to patient-centred practice and support for colleagues, trainees and the wider multidisciplinary team.

Over a long and distinguished career as a Consultant Surgeon at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, and as Past President of the Association of Breast Surgery, he has played a major role in advancing breast services, screening, education and professional standards. He also served as National Adviser on Breast Screening for Public Health England and chaired key committees including the ABS/NHSBSP Screening Audit and Research Advisory Committee, helping to shape how breast screening services are delivered and improved across the UK.

Alongside this, he has contributed to research, audit, guideline development and national improvement work, including efforts to improve care for older women with breast cancer. Widely respected for his thoughtful, evidence-based approach, calm leadership and ability to bring people together, his work has had a meaningful impact on patients, clinicians and breast surgical services nationally.