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Eleven volunteers from as far afield as Lorn in Scotland, Down District in Northern Ireland, Monmouthshire in Wales and Shepway in England have been recognised at Home-Start’s first national volunteer awards.
They are just some of the 14,808 amazing home-visiting volunteers, 2,448 trustees and countless others from all walks of life who gave their time to Home-Start to support families across the UK in 2015/16.
Each received a glass trophy and a certificate signed by the charity’s royal patron, HRH Princess Alexandra. These were presented by national ambassadors, Alastair Stewart OBE and Kirstie Allsopp. The awards celebration gala dinner took place in front of more than 300 Home-Start colleagues at the charity’s national convention in Nottingham, on Monday 21 March.
Learn more about each of these very special people, and why they won:
Twenty one year-old Rosemary Cottle was recognised for her planning, positive influence, for inspiring other mothers and for bringing warmth and happiness. Read more
Ann Bridle: the 2016 volunteer who has shown extraordinary commitment and excellence. Read more
Matthew Norton, of Lloyds Banking Group, only came to 'make a difference' for a day. Years later his contribution just keeps on growing. Read more
Yvonne Wright "is one of those quiet people who just inspires others by her enthusiasm and belief in Home-Start, despite working very, very long hours" in her day job. Read more
"My time with the charity has been a fantastic journey. I may be different, but I have the determination to do it.” said winner, Laura Fozard. Read more
Maire Young was recognised for engaging with political leaders in Northern Ireland during times of conflict and of peace to give Home-Start a future. Read more
31 years of volunteering with Home-Start Chelmsford makes winner Prue Reynolds the longest serving volunteer in England - and also in the UK. Read more
"We called you earring as you always wore big earrings", said a teenager who had been helped as young child by Maureen Kearney during her 21 years volunteering. Read more
Gela Rose is still in contact with the first family she supported and, 26 years later, still volunteers - on the trustee board at Home-Start Lorn. Read more
Judy Dunt from Home-Start Monmouthshire has given an amazing 26 years to Home-Start families - even continuing to support parents and children after crossing borders. Read more
HRH Princess Alexandra congratulates the 2016 winners and thanks all Home-Start's thousands of volunteers for their wonderful work. Read more