The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has honoured respected spa industry trainer and figure Christine Clinton with the 2021 Debra Simon Award.

Announced at the GWS in Boston last week, the award was introduced in a heartfelt speech by Simon’s daughter and president of the Debra Simon Family Foundation, Lauren Wright, who paid tribute to her Mother.

“This award honours my Mum and her legacy of hope,” stated Wright.

The accolade is given to an individual who has achieved excellence in the field of mental health and wellness and has been a leader, advocate or innovator in wellness programmes or pathways that help people thrive mentally.

Clinton was praised in particular for her work as chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness For Children initiative which aims to create awareness of the need for children and young people to be actively involved in their own wellness.

Care for cancer patients has also been a long-term passion for Clinton, who developed the Christine Clinton Cancer Care program, conducting training seminars at numerous spas throughout Ireland, the US and the Caribbean.

Now in its 12th year, the Debra Simon Award was presented to Clinton by the 2020 recipient, C. Victor Brick – CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners and chair of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation.

“Christine works every day to enlighten, educate and inspire us all in the power of wellness and the impact each of us can have,” said Brick, “she travels the world bringing light and light to all she encounters.

“Her work is broad in scope, covering cancer care education, inspiring elementary school children and working with spas around the world to better understand the importance of mental health."

Upon receiving the award, Clinton expressed deep gratitude and shock.

“I really believe in wellness and that we’re making a difference in every day of our lives,” she said, as she accepted the award.