The QEH is calling on patients, their families, and members of the local community to cast their vote for who should be crowned our volunteer of the year.
The hospital’s incredible team of 160 volunteers dedicate more than 23,000 hours a year to The QEH, making a lasting impact on the lives of staff and patients every day.
Now it’s over to you to decide who should be the winner of the John Voaden Volunteer of the Year category in the annual Team QEH Awards.
This category recognises and honours an outstanding individual who volunteers their time and talent at Team QEH and make a significant contribution to the experience of our patients, their families and our staff.
This year’s finalists are:
- Ian Gutteridge – one of the hospital’s buggy drivers that helps patients get around the site smoothly
- Sarah Harvey – breast cancer survivor who wants to give something back by being a ward volunteer and buggy driver
- Sharon Roberts – who has volunteered at the hospital for more than 35 years and can be found helping patients on the hospital front desk
The Team QEH Awards, sponsored by PA Consulting, will take place on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
Read more about the finalists of the John Voaden Volunteer of the Year Award and cast your vote here. Voting closes at midnight on Friday 15 August.
Last year’s winner was Al Ware. Al suffered a stroke in 2013 and after recovering decided he wanted to give something back. A keen artist, he has been running the art therapy workshops in the community, supporting stroke survivors to meet new people and build their confidence.
Speaking at the 2024 award ceremony Al said: ” This is such an honour, and I feel so privileged.”
Cllr Stuart Dark, who presented Al with his award, said: “Award nights like this to are so important to give people like Al and his family a moment in the spotlight when he’s doing so much behind the scenes – a huge thank you Al for everything you do.”
Ends.
Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
Download the full press release including pictures here.
Image one – The 2025 Team QEH Awards John Voaden Volunteer of the Year finalists;
left to right: Ian Gutteridge, Sarah Harvey, Sharon Roberts
Image two – 2024 Team QEH Awards winner Al Ware – John Voaden Volunteer of the Year
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