Canteen Member Board Director Josh McMillan has been awarded the University of Auckland Blues Award for the most outstanding contribution in the Service and Leadership category.

Josh was just 9 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the blood. He joined Canteen to receive regular one-on-one therapeutic support, and to connect with other rangatahi impacted by cancer.

Since then, he has been part of the Canteen Leadership Programme, and started to providing peer support, and advocating for rangatahi to have access to essential support services. While pursuing his university studies majoring in politics and international relations and history, Josh has represented Canteen and young people affected by cancer at international cancer events. In December, he will be heading to Melbourne for the 6th Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress, where he will chair a symposium on survivorship and present the findings of his own research.

Josh commented: 

"I want to celebrate with everyone at Canteen, as without opportunities and encouragements that have come from Canteen, staff, peers and my fellow board directors I’d never have been in a position to be recognised in these ways or doing what I’m doing. I think it speaks to the success of Canteen's services and mission, empowering rangatahi like myself to take things by the horns and do some awesome things - things I always feel so lucky to be involved with."