A former Royal Artillery soldier who has dedicated 26 years to volunteering for the children’s ward at QEH attended the star-studded The Sun’s Who Cares Wins Awards as a finalist for the Unsung Hero Award.
Jim Tripp, who has just celebrated his 70th birthday, volunteers for QEH’s Rudham Ward helping sick youngsters and their families. The King’s Lynn grandad has even gained the nickname “The Wednesday Wonder”.
He was nominated for the national award by Sharon Barrett, 46, ward clerk and Sophie Carter, 27, play specialist who also attended the dazzling ceremony in London which was broadcast on Channel 4 on Sunday evening (24 September).
Sophie said: “Nothing is too much for Jim. Not only is he chief entertainer and toy-fixer, but he takes away the anxiety of children on the ward, supports family members and helps staff wherever he can.”
Despite not being crowned the winner on the night Jim said: “I am so honoured to have been nominated for this award and I had the most wonderful time. I am so grateful to Sharon and Sophie for nominating me, but for me though, the biggest award is seeing the friendly faces from the youngsters on the ward.”
The ceremony, which is hosted annually, celebrates the nation’s healthcare workers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond – and this year it was an even more special occasion as the NHS celebrated its 75th birthday. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who attended the event, described NHS workers’ dedication and commitment to public service as ‘inspiring’.
Jim was shortlisted by a panel of celebrity judges including The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief Victoria Newton, TV presenter Christine Lampard, Paralympic champ Ellie Simmonds and boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
The winner was Allan Cockram, 59 from Essex, who gives up his time to run the Brentford Penguins – the UK’s only football team for children with Down’s syndrome. He was presented with the award by Sir Keir Starmer and Myleene Klass.
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