Annual education course

Dr John Mills was a Bakewell dentist who was diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in 2001. Following his diagnosis, he undertook many roles including becoming a member of the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BHPR) guideline panel, Member of the Board of Trustees at the Genetic Alliance UK and Rare Disease UK, and a patient representative for vasculitis for European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURODIS)-Rare Disease Europe.

In 2009, John became the Chair of the Stuart Strange Vasculitis Trust (SSVT), which became Vasculitis UK in 2010. Since then, John served as Vasculitis Patient Representative for the UK and Ireland Vasculitis Study Group (UKIVAS) and European League Against Rheumatology (EULAR).

John was the Patient Public Voice for NHS England Specialised Rheumatology Services for 6 years and was also part of the NICE appraisal for Rituximab in ANCA vasculitis.

In 2023 John was awarded an MBE for services to People with Rare Diseases through his role as Chair and Director of Operations of Vasculitis UK in recognition of his tireless work for the vasculitis community.

John worked unremittingly to improve vasculitis patient care, championing education of both healthcare professionals and patients and supporting vasculitis research across centres in the UK. His undoubted achievements and successes were enhanced by the devotion and dedication of his wife Susan who continues to champion this cause.

In recognition of the legacy left by John “The John Mills MBE Education Award” seeks to recognise innovative educational projects which have made a difference to those living with or caring for people with vasculitis.