Hospice volunteer scoops top volunteering awards

St Elizabeth Hospice staff, supporters and volunteers alike, have come together to show their appreciation of volunteer Kevin Constance after he was named Volunteer of the Year in the Charity Today Awards 2021.

Kevin was chosen as the overall winner of the annual award following a public vote, after having earlier been shortlisted for the award, by judges from the awards’ body.

From volunteering in the kitchen, helping with fundraising events through to volunteering at St Elizabeth Hospice’s reception, Kevin Constance has been a dedicated supporter of the Suffolk charity for more than ten years.

Kevin, who lives in Ipswich, said: “Thank you to everyone who nominated me and voted for me in the Charity Today Awards, it really is very humbling to win.

“I am part of a fantastic team at St Elizabeth Hospice and am so proud to support the charity in any way I can. Knowing the impact the hospice has on so many people in the local community inspires me every day and I would encourage anyone out there, considering volunteering, to give it a go.

“It is such a positive experience, where you meet new friends, learn skills and best of all you are helping a good cause which makes such a difference in your local community.”

As well as winning the Charity Today Awards accolade, Kevin also received the Suffolk Award from Edward Creasy, High Sheriff of Suffolk, as recognition for his continued support of the hospice.

Kevin is one of more than 1,500 volunteers who generously give their time to support the hospice by carrying out roles in one of its 32 retail shops, through to volunteering on the hospice inpatient unit and supporting the hospice administrative teams.

Every year their support helps the hospice deliver specialist palliative care to more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Jemma Wood, Volunteer Development Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are all delighted Kevin has received this brilliant recognition for his years of support to the hospice, it really is so well deserved.

“Kevin is a great ambassador for the hospice like all our volunteers, who every year generously donate their time to supporting the hospice. St Elizabeth Hospice would just not be what it is today without our amazing volunteers.”

To learn more about volunteering opportunities at St Elizabeth Hospice email volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/support-us/volunteer-for-us/.