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Runnymede & Spelthorne Volunteer Awards 2025: Winners Stories

On Tuesday 10th  June we held our annual Runnymede & Spelthorne Volunteer awards, in partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London. It was an evening of celebration and recognition of the fantastic work done by volunteers in Runnymede and Spelthorne. 

We were joined by 230 guests, including volunteers, nominators, dignitaries and university staff. These guests represented over 70 different groups across Runnymede and Spelthorne. 

The evening began with a powerful and inspiring keynote speech from Moses Seitler, CEO of Screen Share UK. He discussed the vital work of his organisation in achieving digital inclusion for refugees, and prompted the audience to consider their ‘why.’ Why do we volunteer? Who do we do it for?  

Solette Sheppardson, CEO of Voluntary Support North Surrey, shared her ‘why’: volunteers. She explained how each and every volunteer in North Surrey , is why Voluntary Support does the workwe do. Volunteers are the heart of our charity, and their stories inspire us daily to work harder to support our communities.  

We were honoured to have the company of the Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Margaret Harnden, and the Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr John Doran- who presented our awards to the deserving winners.  

Shining a spotlight on the winners of each award and their invaluable voluntary work: 

• Unsung Hero Award: Anna-Marie Goodacre – Recognizing those behind the scenes such as a helpful trustee or someone working hard to support other volunteers and staff. 
• Inspirational Volunteer Award Runnymede: Catherine Foster – For volunteers that have made a huge difference to your cause and who’s passion and dedication inspire others to make a difference. 
• Inspirational Volunteer Award Spelthorne: Charlotte Laing
• Special mention – Inspirational Volunteer Award: Amanda Preston 
• New Volunteer Award: Cath Campbell  – For those who are new to volunteering and have been in their post for at least a year.
• Fundraiser of the Year Award: Jon Burton – Honouring both individuals and teams for their passionate and/or innovative approaches to fundraising, regardless of the amount raised.  
• Volunteer Team Award: UCE Charity Bookstall  – To recognise a volunteer team’s collaborative efforts and contributions to residents of Runnymede and Spelthorne.  
• Engagement in the Community Award: Ron Hayes & Son  – Recognising businesses that actively support local charities and non-profits making a positive impact through their corporate social responsibility efforts.  
• Special Recognition Award: Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospital Volunteers – A volunteer whom our judges felt compelled to give additional recognition for their contribution to their community.  
• Long Service Award (10+ years of service)- Each year we are delighted to be able to recognise all volunteers who have been instrumental in supporting their communities for ten or more years. We would like to celebrate each and every one of these passionate, inspiring and dedicated volunteers, so have awarded all of them for this category.  :
  • • Mark Griffiths- 1st Egham Scout Group: 14 years 
    • Jayne Matthews- Witness Service: 16 years 
    • Joyce Laptalis- Witness Service: 16 years 
    • Julia Gibbs- Spelthorne Museum, Spelthorne Archaeology and Local History Group: 45 years 
    • Nick Pollard- Spelthorne Museum, Spelthorne Archaeology and Local History Group: 45 years 
    • Beryl Christopher- White Lodge: 25 years 
    • Adrian Elston- Chertsey & Addlestone Good Neighbours: 10 years 
    • Di James- CARE in Egham: 40 years 
    • Jenny Sice- Home-Start Spelthorne: 30 years 
    • Anne Damerell- Home-Start Spelthorne: 30 years 
    • Michael O’Sullivan- Chertsey Combined Charities: 50 years  
    • Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital Volunteers: 10, 15 and 20+ years 

This event could not happen without our partners at Royal Holloway Volunteering. Their support and dedication are the reason our awards evenings can run so seamlessly. We are delighted to work with such committed individuals. Thank you! 

We would also like to extend our thanks to our Chair, Helen Frary, who presented our awards at the event. Her wit, humour and passion shone through in her speeches. We couldn’t have done it without her.  Helen began her voluntary work during Covid times, volunteering helping at vaccination centres, but quickly made her way onto our board of Trustees. Helen dedicates hours of her time, voluntarily, to supporting the running of our organisation, highlighting her devotion to serving her community.  

Finally, a huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to all our award winners and nominees. Without you, so many organisations would struggle to carry out their vital work. No matter the size of your gesture, or the time you give, your impact is huge. With every act of volunteering, you touch a life. Our communities are a better and more enriched place because of your actions. In our eyes, you’re all winners!

Read more about the winners of each award and their invaluable voluntary work in detail.