The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Volunteers hailed as Platinum champions
Four volunteers who have made the world of difference to their communities have been declared ‘platinum champions’ for their work in the city.
JohnandRosieSandall,Tony De Matteis and David Ellis were among 490 people from across the country who won the award.
The Platinum Champions Awards were launched by RoyalVoluntaryServiceandits President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in honour of the charity’s patron Her Majesty The Queen and the example she has set in her 70 years of service.
John and Rosie Sandall have spent the last 25 years helping families in Ukraine who are still being impacted by the Chernobyl disaster.
The couple recently spent time helping Max Yaschenko come to Peterborough. Max, who uses a wheelchair, was made homeless after Russian forces bombed his home.
Rosie said: “We were surprised and honoured to be chosen as Jubilee Platinum Champions. It continues to be a great privilege to us to help the many friends we support inUkraineandMaxYaschenko and his family who are now in Peterborough.
"The last four months have beenverydifficultforthemany families we support and we continue to hope that peace will come soon. We would like tothankthemanypeopleinPeterborough who have supportedourworkinUkraineoverthe
last 25 years."
Tony De Matteis is the chief
officer at the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, and has been part of the service – theonlyvolunteerfirebrigade in the country – for nearly 40 years.
Speaking to The Peterborough Telegraph after winning the award, he said: “It is always nice to get a bit of recognition – not just for myself, but for the rest of the crew as well. We all put so much work in for free here. The award will be getting pride of place in the fire station.”
David Ellis won his award for his service to the air cadets in Peterborough.
He said: “I am honoured to have been nominated and humbled to be chosen as one of 490 RVS Platinum Champions in recognition for 30 years of volunteering with the RAF Air Cadets.
“Ihopethatthisrecognition of my volunteering encourages more people to become involvedinwhateverwayastheir serviceismoreimportantthan ever.”