2010 Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award – Ethel Powell (Cannock)

Ethel Powell has been a volunteer since 1974.

With some dedicated friends, Ethel formed the Chase Hospital League of Friends and worked to improve the conditions and well-being of patients at the then Chase Hospital. As well as fundraising, she re-mortgaged her own home to install lifts at the hospital, which helped many in-patients to see the outside world. Many hadn’t been outside for 10 to 20 years.

When she wasn’t fund-raising, Ethel took in-patients on day trips and outings.

Ethel is now 90 years old and, although she officially retired in June this year, still continues to help Cannock Chase Hospital. To date, Ethel and the Cannock League of Friends have raised more than £1.5 million for medical and other equipment at Cannock Chase Hospital.

Ethel was not able to attend the Awards ceremoney, but was represented by Julie Hendry, Director of Quality and Patient Experience at Cannock Chase Hospital. The award was presented by Viv Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Staffordshire Parish Councils' Association

 

Judges’ Special Award – Carrie-Ann Freeman (Rugeley)

Carrie-Ann has a younger brother called Robin who has the rare medical condition Microcephaly.

Carrie-Ann is spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of the illness.

Microcephaly is when the circumference of a person’s head is more than two times smaller than the average size for the person’s age and gender.

In 2010 Carrie-Ann helped to organise the first ever Microcephaly Convention in the UK and spent hours contacting newspapers, MPs, celebrities, people with the condition and their families inviting them to attend.

The 19-year-old is now working to set up an All Parliamentary Group for Microcephaly and is trying to cut through red tape so that the condition is picked up as early as possible.

Carrie-Ann was praised for constantly finding new ways to make people aware of the condition and as a role model for other young people.

The award was presented by judges Mrs Erica Bayliss and Andy Halden.

Find out more about microcephaly

 

Volunteer Coordinator of the Year – Jane Reynolds (Cannock)

Jane coordinates and supports the Youth Action Teams in Cannock Chase and South Staffordshire.

Her enthusiasm, hard work and commitment to the young people she works with has really paid off.

She has regularly gone above and beyond the call of duty and has had a huge impact on the confidence and skills of the 16-25 year olds that she works with by getting them involved in community projects.

Many of them have been able to use their volunteering experiences to get a job.

Jane was praised for her approach to helping people and for going the extra mile to help them to achieve their goals.

The award was presented by Michelle Mechem, Volunteer Centre Manager, Tamworth.

 

Business Contribution to Volunteering - JCB (Rocester)

The excavation company has invested in young people of Staffordshire, providing support, experience and volunteers to ensure a spirit of innovation, enthusiasm and passion for business.

Not only have JCB’s employees raised millions of pounds for the NSPCC by hosting fundraising events, the Young Enterprise charity supports employees to volunteer their time and enthusiasm to mentor young people aged 14-19.

JCB was chosen for its consistent approach to volunteering and its work with young people.

The Award was presented by Jim Rickard, Chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership

 

Sporting Volunteer of the Year – John Shemilt (Stone)

A dedicated member of the Stone and District Swimming Club and a fantastic swimmer himself, John has taken on a number of different voluntary roles.

These include being a voluntary lifeguard and committee member at the swimming club for more than 40 years.

John was chosen for his lifesaving skills and commitment to sport.

The award was presented by
Malcolm Duncan (Executive Board, Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent)

 

Community Good Neighbour – Lilian Owers (Stafford)

Lilian has been serving on the St Andrew’s Church committee for more than 40 years as well as being a church warden for over 20 years.

She also makes time to visit people in the area who or ill, lonely or simply in need of a chat and a cup of tea.

Lilian was chosen for her long term commitment to volunteering.

The award was presented by Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture.

 

Staffordshire Volunteer of the Year – Jane Eldridge (Stafford)

Jane works tirelessly as a mentor and volunteer with Addiction Dependency Solutions Staffordshire. The charity helps and advises people and families suffering from the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

Jane has played a vital role in encouraging and motivating people to move towards a crime free and more fulfilling life.

She recently mentored a group of offenders who abused alcohol, helping many of them to apply for and find jobs.

Her inspirational message has helped people in the battle against addiction.

Jane was chosen for her outstanding work within the community.

The award was presented by Christine Harris, Pride of Tamworth Volunteer of the Year 2010.

 

Staffordshire Volunteer Team of the Year - Ashley and Loggerheads First Responders (Newcastle)

The team plays a vital role in saving the lives of the people it serves.

The dedicated group acts as an emergency first responder and fundraiser which shows the extraordinary commitment of its members.

When the team is not responding to call outs, members are involved in intensive training programmes.

The Ashley and Loggerheads team is among the three busiest First Responders groups in the county.

Ashley and Loggerheads First Responders was chosen for its members’ selfless, lifesaving work.

The award was presented by Matthew Ellis, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, Staffordshire County Council