The head of a local centre for medical research is up for a prestigious award for her work.

Deborah Gilbert, chief executive of Bowel and Cancer Research (BCR), is a finalist for Rising Chief Executive in the Third Sector awards, which celebrates the best in the charity sector.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 26 at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.

Ms Gilbert, who has led BCR since 2008, led the drive to fund a new £3 million National Centre for Bowel Research and Surgical Innovation in Newark Street in Whitechapel.

The centre is part of Queen Mary, University of London, and was opened by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh earlier this year.

It is the first unit of its kind in the UK and brings together surgeons, clinicians, research scientists and members of the public to work on groundbreaking research projects into bowel disorders, from cancer and colitis to constipation and incontinence.

Under her Ms Gilbert’s leadership, BCR has more than tripled its revenue income and raised more than £2.5m in capital funding.

Sir Barry Jackson, chair of Bowel and Cancer Research’s trustees, said: “This recognition is well deserved. Deborah is a shining light in the charity sector and her significant achievements for Bowel and Cancer Research are a testament to her vision and determination.”

Ms Gilbert has also worked with Shelter UK, One Parent Families (now Gingerbread), and St Giles Trust.

For more information visit bowelcancerresearch.org