[9] He began performing as Cherry Valentine in 2016, while still working in a children's psychiatric intensive-care unit and with adults with Huntington's disease.

[4][14] When filming for the show was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ward returned to work in the National Health Service (NHS) to assist in relief efforts and the UK's deployment of vaccines.

[15][16] In "Queens on Lockdown", a special episode of the series that explores the contestants' lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cherry Valentine discussed returning to work in the NHS.

[20] Sam Damshenas of Gay Times said her run on the show was "short-lived" but "the star won the hearts of viewers with her fierce aesthetic and charismatic confessionals, as well as her inspiring journey from traveller to drag superstar".

The episode saw Ward reflect on his 2022 documentary Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud about being raised as an English Traveller.

[3] He was "absolutely terrified" to make the film and was "unsure 'which route to go down' due to a significant lack of mainstream attention and education on LGBTQ+ Travellers", according to Damshenas, who also said the documentary "received widespread critical acclaim".

[32][33] Following the announcement of his death, many Drag Race contestants paid tribute to him, including fellow series 2 contestants Asttina Mandella, A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash,[34] Ellie Diamond, Ginny Lemon, Joe Black, Lawrence Chaney, Sister Sister, Tayce, and Tia Kofi, as well as Baga Chipz,[35] Cheryl Hole, Priyanka, Sum Ting Wong, and The Vivienne.

In October 2022, Cherry Valentine's production company Throne Events announced a memorial concert to be held at Clapham Grand in London in November.

Tickets to Iconic: The Cherry Valentine Memorial Concert were made available at no cost, with donations benefitting his legacy fund and mental health charities.

[40][41] The livestreamed concert featured performances by Drag Race UK contestants Elektra Fence and Joe Black, as well as the group Traveller Pride.