Arran volunteer is crowned as a Coronation Champion
‘I’m overwhelmed, very humbled and still a bit shell shocked’
An Arran volunteer and community activist has been chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions ahead of King Charles’ big day.
Michael Gettins from Lamlash is one of 500 outstanding volunteers to be recognised by Their Majesties the King and the Queen Consort as part of the official coronation celebrations in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service.
Michael, who volunteers with Arran Repair Café, Arran Events which organises Santa’s Sparkle, and Arran Pride, which held its first Pride Day last June, has been recognised for the contribution he makes in the community.
This follows a call to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5,000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 years up to 103.
Michael impressed the judges with his energy and commitment. He started the Arran Repair Café three years ago. Since then he has galvanised people in villages across Arran to re-use materials to avoid them going to landfill, lent tools and shared repair skills through the repair café, all with a listening ear and a willingness to lend a hand.
With the support of Camilla, the Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and president of the Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 champions dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering.
All Coronation Champions, including Michael, have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations which include a Windsor Castle Coronation Concert and a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Michael said: “I’m overwhelmed, very humbled and still a bit shell shocked at the very idea of being nominated. Others deserve this much more than I do. I just try and do my wee bit for people, the place we live and our planet,
and it gives me enormous satisfaction. I volunteer for the sheer joy it gives me, working with people and other volunteers on Arran.”
The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across several award categories: supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.
“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we are overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”