Selfless volunteers recognised
Exceptional and selfless service given for others during Covid-19 crisis and beyond has been truly inspirational
People who have given ‘exceptional and selfless service’ to others during the pandemic have been recognised by the High Sheriff of West Sussex. Dr Tim Fooks presented a Special Recognition Award to volunteers including Jonathan Fulford, who set out at 4am every day to clear up rubbish in Bosham. Dr Fooks called it ‘a remarkable act of altruism for which many in the community remain deeply appreciative’.
The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, launched his unique Special Recognition Award in the summer, in partnership with Sussex Newspapers, to recognise individual volunteers who have given exceptional service for others during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.
It is with great pleasure that he is today able to announce the 110 winners of the High Sheriff of West Sussex Special Recognition Award, which was established to acknowledge and thank individual volunteers who have worked so hard to meet the needs of those around them.
Dr Fooks said: “The award winners have been nominated from across the whole of West Sussex and from a wonderfully diverse range of our communities. However, each of them is united by the amazing service they have given to those who have been affected by the challenges of Covid.
“Although time has prevented me from meeting every recipient, with the help of their nominators, I have been delighted to present, in person, an award certificate to 21 of the winners in the past week.
“To do this, I have travelled toeverycornerofourbeautiful county, from Bosham to East Grinstead and from Rudgwick to Shoreham.
“Some have been greatly surprisedtofindahighsheriff in full court dress coming to pay his respects, acknowledge their achievement and thank them all that they have done, but they have been very happy, albeit humbling, occasions.
“Although all the recipients I have met have told me they did not deserve an award, they have invariably gone on
to speak with great passion and commitment about the task they have felt called to do. As champions of those they support, their personal inconvenience is rarely a concern and they have all wanted to praise their fellow volunteers, their families and their friends, for making it possible for their work to be done.
“This award has therefore demonstrated afresh the outstanding contribution volunteers make throughout our county. They are literally a powerful and priceless force for good in our midst.
“And their altruism brings great benefit, not just to those who receive their care and support but to all those who work with them as well. Volunteering is good for the volunteer too.
“I am delighted, therefore, to be able to use this award to thank wholeheartedly, and in public, each of these very special people for all that they have done during this particularly difficult year, and I am deeply grateful to all those who have brought them to my attention through their nomination.
“In addition, I would like to also acknowledge all those who have been volunteering
their time and skills to serve others but have been missed by this particular award process. In my capacity as High Sheriff, may I use this opportunity to thank you also. We are all equally indebted to you too.
“We still have some way to go with Covid but, despite all the trouble and challenge the pandemic continues to cause, it has been greatly encouraging and heartwarming to celebrate in West Sussex so many people who have chosen to care for others. They have proved themselves to be inspirational leaders of compassion and kindness who we would all do well to follow.”
Paula Cooper from Billingshurst and Ariane Knight from Rudgwick selflessly worked to help others over the past six months, during the pandemic.
In particular, the Rudgwick Covid-19 Community Group, which they helped establish and co-ordinate, provided shopping, deliveredmedicines and kept in touch with people to prevent loneliness.
Dr Fooks told them both: “Many vulnerable people have been helped through your initiatives and dedication to the care of others.”
Jonathan Fulford’s selfless actions to clear up rubbish at 4am every day was a ‘remarkable act of altruism for which many in the community remain deeply appreciative and grateful’.
Alastair Johnstone, chairman of Bosham Parish Council, made the nomination, saying that during the fine weather in lockdown, Bosham had become a meeting place for many young people and the detritus from their gatherings needed to be collected daily to keep the village safe.
He said: “Jonathan Fulford, making his early morning
forays from the north part of the village to come down and pick litter before going off to work, merited recognition.”
Gemma Hawkins from Bognor Regis worked tirelessly to deliver fresh food to the vulnerable and isolated, clothing to families, and supported local craft groups.
Dr Fooks said: “Your concern for the environment is inspiring, as is your dedication to the welfare of others. As an outstanding member of your community, you are viewed as a beacon of hope and they are very grateful for all you have done and continue to do.”
Caitlin Baker from Bognor Regis is a helpline support worker at My Sister’s House and her efforts have been greatly appreciated.
Dr Fooks said: “In particular, your work with the foodbank and as an LGBT+ ambassador have made a great difference to many people. You are truly one in a million.”
Therese Brook from Middleton-on-sea is well known through her work with the Rotary Club as an inspirational leader in voluntary work, particularly at Christmas time. During the pandemic, she has become busier than ever, ensuring
the vulnerable received food parcels and those in financial need could be given practical support.
Dr Fooks said: “Your problem-solving skills are outstanding, as is your energy, enthusiasm and desire to help others and make a difference.”
Jessica Brown-fuller and Katy Tytler established the Midhurst Angels, a team of 200 volunteers who delivered shopping and prescriptions to the vulnerable and socially isolated and befriended them. In four months, the Angels dealt with more than 1,000 calls.
Dr Fooks told them: “Although you were supported by a great team, your organisation, leadership and selfless dedication to the needs of others has been inspirational.”
During the lockdown period, Frank Gray from Shoreham immediately recognised the additional needs of the vulnerable people known to Victim Support West Sussex and phoned all his service users weekly to reassure them and offer practical support.
He also gave similar help to some of the clients of Time to Talk Befriending and all were ‘deeply appreciative’.
Volunteers are literally a powerful and priceless force for good in our midst DR TIM FOOKS High Sheriff of
West Sussex