Celebration of Volunteering

Nominees

• Effective Altruism
• Ramandeep Nijjar
• Reading Marrow
• WaterAid
• University Hockey Club
• Zeid Sharif

Kevin Gannaway

Kevin Gannaway has made an exceptional contribution to restoring and conserving Fobney Marshes in Reading. His involvement goes well beyond practical conservation and includes creative, academic, and public engagement that has helped raise the profile and impact of this important local site.

Although conservation work at Fobney Marshes has only been underway for around a year, Kevin has been involved from the very beginning. He volunteers regularly at work parties, carrying out hands-on tasks such as litter picking, building and repairing bridges to improve access, and managing vegetation to support biodiversity. This work has helped protect and enhance a rare wetland habitat that supports a diverse bird community, including notable sightings such as avocet, highlighting the ecological value of this urban marshland.

What really sets Kevin apart is how he has taken this volunteering beyond the site itself. He has written and performed a song inspired by Fobney Marshes, using music to help people connect emotionally with the place and with wider ideas of care for nature. He also focused his BSc dissertation on the marsh, exploring the radical community action taking place there and giving academic weight to grassroots conservation and collective stewardship. He is now continuing his studies at MSc level, and I'm excited to see where he takes it!

Kevin has also shared his knowledge more widely through a public talk at the Reading Climate Festival, where he used Fobney Marshes and his dissertation as a case study to highlight local water issues, flooding, climate change, and the role of wetlands in urban resilience.

Kevin's volunteering shows real commitment, creativity, and impact. By combining practical conservation with his studies, music and public engagement, he is strengthening both the marsh itself, our academic understanding, and the community's connection to it.

Effective Altruism

Effective Altruism are a fairly new society but have been engaged over the past year in both community activism and international fundraising. They've attended various community organising activities to learn about the issues that are most affecting students and have used this to look at how their society can help others.

They've also worked with other groups (Swing Dance and Ballroom and Latin) to put on an event for the Against Malaria Foundation raising £1133 in one night to donate to buy nets and other vital resources for those in need.

Ramandeep Nijjar

Raman has been utterly tireless in her work, driving behavioural change and raising awareness about the environment. She's been part of various organisations across the years but is currently part of UK Youth for Nature and a trustee for Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust. On campus, she's lead on Climate Fresk workshops bringing her knowledge and learning from external organisations to students on campus; this learning includes being invited to attend the National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature at Central Hall Westminster.

Ramandeep has been devoted to environmental projects throughout her time at University (and no doubt before that too) and has continuously advocated for wildlife and the environment in everything she does.

Reading Marrow

Alex started at Reading in September and immediately wanted to bring Reading Marrow back to life following his successful work with Southampton Uni Marrow. He's singlehandedly worked to set the group back up, hosting stalls across campus to raise awareness and is working with the Venue Team at RSU to have a presence at key upcoming events e.g. Pink Pony Valentines Union Night to raise funds and awareness about the importance of being a donor.

University Hockey Club

Reading University Hockey Club has raised over £4,750 this year through different fundraising methods. The first was for Movember, where the club raised over £4,200 for men's health. The club then also raised a further £600 for the annual alumni day, raising awareness for 2 important charities that Peter Jenkins, an old boy who sadly passed away in 2022, held closely to his heart. This saw alumni come back to the university and play a game against current students to remember what Peter loved doing whilst he was at university. The charities that were supported were Support Our Paras and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

WaterAid

WaterAid have put on a variety of events this year to raise money and awareness around clean water, decent toilets and other basic human rights around the world.

This has included educating others through guest speakers, marking national and international days and, most notably, supporting the national organisation in their "Water Can't Wait" open letter to Downing Street.

Members of the group went to London on the day - including Abbey dressed as an actual tap! They've also worked with Hit the Run Club, teaming up for the annual Santa run raising £650 for the charity and were invited to Buckingham Palace to speak to other advocates from the charity about their work.

Zeid Sharif

In 2019-20, Zeid was the Diversity Officer for the Students' Union. During his time as officer, Zeid played a fundamental role in campaigning and lobbying the University to fully divest from fossil fuels. The campaign was developed with students, understanding the changes they wanted to see and how they wanted the SU to represent them.

This campaign had been running on and off since 2014, led by officers at the SU with students.

Zeid successfully lobbied the University to join the University's Investment Committee to influence decision making on the new Investment Manager. This was a significant moment and amount of work to go through months of applications and interviews.

In January 2020, the University committed to move the total £120 million portfolio away from direct and indirect fossil fuel divestments alongside a commitment to divesting fully from arms and nuclear companies.

Although there were many students who played an important role in protesting, signing petitions and putting pressure on the University, Zeid's pivotal role ensured that the voices of students were heard and was at the heart of important decision making to fundamentally change the University's investment portfolio.

His unwavering commitment to creating positive change, representing the voices of students and believing in the need to protect our planet and future generations makes him incredibly deserving of an award.

Nominees

• Aditya Bhise
• Angelo Doria
• Annabel Wood
• Diana Nobis
• Elisha Warren
• Georgina Orchard
• Giovanni Mura
• Harini Gopi
• Julie Hopper
• Keira Smith
• Luisa Sutherland
• Mohammed Javad Kamelifar
• Sarah Pervaiz
• Silas Chan
• Tan Yi Xin
• Yildrit Miftari

Aditya Bhise

Aditya has shown consistent, hands-on commitment to community wellbeing, food security and social connection. Aditya began volunteering in 2009 as a National Social Service (NSS) Team Leader in India (2009-2012), continued through university roles whilst Masters student in UK (ARU Student Ambassador/IT support and seasonal community initiatives, 2012-2013) and Age UK Essex (2013), and has deepened in the UK over the past nine years after coming back to UK in 2016. "Since 2017, I have served as a GoodGym befriender and community mission volunteer (2017-2020), providing weekly companionship for older neighbours and practical help at local missions."

Since 2017, in Bath's Foxhill where Aditya lives, he has supported elderly residents with day-to-day essentials: grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, and providing transport to and from hospital and GP surgeries. He also offers practical "digital first aid": setting up phones and tablets, troubleshooting connectivity, and helping people order items safely online so they can remain independent. During the pandemic he volunteered at the Racecourse Covid-19 Vaccination Centre (3SG, 2021-2022), managing queues and accessibility needs at busy clinics. As an Olio Food Hero Squad Captain (2021-2022), he coordinated supermarket surplus pickups and community redistribution to reduce waste and get good food to families who needed it. He also volunteered as Treasurer of the Fox Hill Residents' Association (2020-2023), ensuring transparent stewardship of community funds.

Across these roles, he has gone above and beyond by showing up consistently at evenings and weekends, stepping into coordination and leadership where needed, and combining logistics with compassionate, one-to-one support.

In total, he has volunteered continuously since 2009, with concentrated service in the Reading/Bath area since 2017. His long, steady contribution reflects the spirit of the University's centenary celebration of community service.

Angelo Doria

Angelo has been an excellent tutor who has helped the second-year students who do the data analytics course. He has taught so many students who have been struggling with the course and helped us set up revision sessions weekly and taught us like a teacher. He conducted the revision lessons with his own slides and notes, gave us tips on how to pass the exams, and so many people benefited from them. Without him, I definitely wouldn't have passed, so I'm very thankful for the fact he helped us out.

He volunteered his free time for us, and I believe such behaviour should be rewarded for his kindness in sacrificing his time for us.

Annabel Wood

Annabel's volunteering journey began at the age of five, completing her first Cancer Research UK (CRUK) 5km run alongside her grandmother, who had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 48. "Her strength and belief in supporting others shaped my values early on, and her legacy continues to motivate my long-standing dedication to CRUK and volunteering."

At 16, while studying the International Baccalaureate (IB), she expanded her volunteering locally - supporting community events and volunteering at her village library, helping children complete the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge, Wild World Heroes. "This role allowed me to support literacy and inspire the next generation, something that had been important in my own childhood."

Her passion for environmental impact led her abroad, where she volunteered on a biodiversity expedition in Croatia. Alongside scuba training, she surveyed marine ecosystems and participated in daily litter picks, collecting on average 5 black sacks a day, preventing significant waste from entering the Adriatic Sea. In 2022, she volunteered as a CRUK Shine Night Walk marshal, supporting hundreds of fundraisers through the night and witnessing the collective power of community fundraising.

After finishing her IB in 2023, she volunteered in Sri Lanka for three weeks - teaching English, working in a local turtle sanctuary, releasing rehabilitated turtles, and helping build new enclosures. This experience shaped her confidence and global perspective.

"During my placement year at Oracle, I've embraced every opportunity, hosting the 'Parenting Special children young advisory meeting' in the Oracle office which was described as a 'valuable and inspiring morning of collaboration for them', and environmental clean-ups along the River Thames. A full-circle moment was completing the 2025 Shine Night Walk with Team Oracle, raising over £6,400 for CRUK." Most recently, she completed the 40-mile Palace to Palace cycle ride for The King's Trust, a challenge that required months of training and successfully raised over £6,500!

"Volunteering has taught me many things, whether supporting large-scale charities or small community events, I remain committed to creating meaningful, lasting impact."

Charlotte Smith

Charlotte has been volunteering with 1st Earley Guides while at university. She joined the guide unit with some apprehension as she had previously been a brownie leader volunteering with younger children (age 7 to 10) rather than the guide/ranger age group (age 10 to 14). However, the guide unit, at the time, needed help so Charlotte came to our aid. She quickly found her feet, completed her guide leadership module and became a very valuable asset to the team. She has pushed herself out of her comfort zone on so many occasions, demonstrating to our young members that it's ok to face new challenges. She has organised many unit meetings, some of the highlights would be her theme evening about Japan where we all learnt so much, her crafty ideas and the women in law evening she ran which was fantastic. On her first camp with us, Charlotte stepped up and took on the role of QM. She did a fantastic job, and everyone was well fed.

Charlotte also joined us on the district Out and About camp where all the groups in Earley went on a joint residential. She was a superb support to other leaders and helped lead the guide campfire. Charlotte has given her time, enthusiasm and skills as a volunteer with Girlguiding for around 7 years and has completed both the young leader qualification and the adult leadership qualification. She is always ready to share her skills, enthusiasm and knowledge with the young members and adult leaders. Recently, she has signed up to mentor and support new leaders.

Diana Nobis

Since February 2025, Diana has been a volunteer at City Harvest London, a charity dedicated to combating food poverty and environmental issues. Starting as a Warehouse Assistant, sorting donations, building pallets for delivery to recipients and performing warehouse maintenance.

After 30 hours of volunteering, Diana became an event ambassador. Throughout 2025, Diana has volunteered at the Barcode Festival, Allergy & Free From Show, International Food & Drink Event, London Coffee Festival, Natural & Organic Products Expo, Bread & Jam Festival, Speciality & Fine Food Fair, and the Lunch & Casual Dining Show - where the biggest haul of 15.5 tonnes was collected. As an event ambassador, Diana helps to inform attendees about the charity, discourage food waste, and perform warehouse tasks. From these events, she helped to save and distribute 54,400kg of food and beverages!

By April, Diana had been awarded Volunteer of the Month, having dedicated 79 hours and contributed to the delivery of 41,000 meals. And in June, became a Harvest 100 by reaching 100 hours of volunteering, earning her certificate and a beautiful pink hi-vis!

Diana also became a fundraiser at Royal Ascot on one of the hottest days of the year, raising money for the charity and spreading awareness of food poverty and waste. "The day before, I had completed another shift! Receiving a lovely message because of this: 'Double 👏 to Diana on her Double shift!! You are a credit to our charity!!'"

Finally, in October, she was selected to represent the charity and participate in the offertory procession at the Harvest Festival Service at Westminster Abbey, where Her Majesty The Queen was present.

"To date, I have volunteered over 200 hours, and even though I am a student, I hope to continue to help others."

Elisha Warren

Since the beginning of the year, Elisha has been volunteering for Universal Voices and has given up a large amount of her time. There is no ask that is too big for her, and she has put the children's needs at the forefront of everything. She even took on extra roles when someone left, which would not normally be asked of someone in her position, but she took it all on without any fuss or complaint. She is highly deserving of recognition, and this award reflects all the work she does alongside her studies.

Georgina Orchard

"My daughter has devoted her time to volunteering with community engagement during her final year of university this year. She has a commitment to make archaeology and further learning open to everyone. She has started to volunteer at a local charity to run craft sessions with children and adults with special needs. She has been teaching them about archaeology and giving them a space to relax during the weekends. She has also signed up to run a centenary gathering in Portsmouth. My daughter has done all this while also being my full-time carer after I have had two serious health scares that have left me hospitalised this year and last year. I am so proud of her."

Giovanni Mura

Giovanni recently completed his Sustainable Action Award. As a Scout leader for 1st Radnage Scouts for the past 3 years, he has educated a large number of young people in sustainable practices, be it recycling at home, picking up litter, or sustainable bushcraft and outdoor skills like Leave No Trace, not cutting live trees for firewood and upcycling trash for useful contraptions/games. Sustainability also means encouraging the continued development of the Local Scouting Community and he has taken an active role in training young leaders to help out with younger scouting sections, which also helps to encourage them to take on leadership roles within scouting after they become adults. Consequently Giovanni is making a huge difference in encouraging the sustainable leaders of the future by inspiring confidence in young people, and ensuring their competence in green skills. Giovanni has made a huge contribution to the financial sustainability of his scout troop by personally raising over £3,000 for the group.

Harini Gopi

Harini volunteered in various University and SU projects. Since joining the University, she has been an active member of the Tea Party Project, which hosts tea parties for different communities across Reading. She engages warmly with local residents, spending time chatting with them to make them feel welcome, and she contributes actively to setting up and organising event spaces. Her kindness and passion ensure everyone enjoys the event and inspire more students to volunteer.

Harini has also been a key volunteer for the University of Monsters, a project that allows primary school students to visit the university and experience what it is like. She has given over 20 hours to the project. In her first year, she was actively involved in leading activities, making sure the children were engaged and having fun throughout their visit. Currently, she is the Treasurer and has played a bigger role in running the project. She spent time recruiting volunteers and managing the budget to planning activities and leading campus tours. Those who work with her often praise her as hardworking and dedicated, saying the project would not be the success it is today without her contribution.

Julie Hopper

Julie Hooper is currently at SOFEA, an alternative education charity, on a placement opportunity. As a student at the University of Reading, Julie was required to undertake a module entitled "Professional and Clinical Practice". To complement the lectures, all students are expected to complete a minimum of 70 hours in a placement setting, and Julie sought us out to complete this.

At SOFEA, we provide education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people. We tackle food insecurity and the disadvantage it causes while having a positive impact on the environment by reducing food waste.

Julie has got stuck in from the word "go", even starting her volunteering before the placement officially commenced. She's rolled up her sleeves to help pick and pack surplus food in our FareShare food re-distribution warehouse, supporting other volunteers, staff and of course, our young people. She's already packed over 3000 meals, and she's barely even started her placement! If she keeps this up, she could have packed over 30k meals before she completes her hours.

She's impressed with her intent to learn people's names (and there's lots!) as well as wanting to work across all our departments - Education, Employability, Wellbeing, Nourish and Flourish, Getting Oxfordshire Online and FareShare.

Having spent time with our CEO, Ricard Kennell, she was keen to share her wish to explore the themes of Psychology, health and wellbeing and how they overlap.

Julie has fully committed to our onboarding processes and has fully embraced our efforts towards safeguarding, completing an enhanced Adult and Child DBS, Prevent Training and 3hrs of Safeguarding Training.

We're grateful for her support, kindness and empathy shown towards our young people on programme as she has fully embraced our mission to "enable young people to transform their lives." Thank you Julie.

Keira Smith

Keira has been nominated because volunteering has been a part of who she is for years, especially during her time at university. Having watched her take on so many roles and get involved in as much as she can. As a student rep and counsellor, she has advocated for her fellow students, initiated discussions around improving her third-year peers' exam adaptations and improved the level of support and resources they receive. Alongside this, she is volunteering as a research assistant, helping move forward a project that had been left aside.

Keira has dedicated hours to mental health support roles. As a volunteer with Shout she has provided crisis support for those who need it at all hours, helping them to feel heard. She has just started volunteering at the RBH as a patient companion, offering support to patients who are isolated or struggling in healthcare settings. Within this role, Keira is already looking to advance her training and be a patient companion in the end-of-life wards and cancer treatment rooms.

All these roles require so much care, empathy, and effort, traits in which Keira excels in. She goes above and beyond for those in need and always does her best.

Additionally, Keira has volunteered as a photographer for the Samaritans, using media to spread awareness of their campaigns. Across all these roles Keira has sought out opportunities to make a difference, whether through direct emotional support, campaigning, or research. Her volunteering has not only shaped her personal growth but has allowed her to positively impact lives. She has gone above and beyond her whole life by raising over €10,000 for Ukraine and getting companies to donate supplies, all this work at university alongside her studies. I am proud to nominate her and ensure this hard work gets recognised!

Kerry Gunu

Kerry Gunu is an outstanding volunteer whose dedication and commitment to education, youth development, and community impact are both locally and internationally recognised.

In 2025, Kerry independently organised and completed the Reading Half Marathon to fundraise for the Educational Development Projects (EDP) Trust, raising £1,135 to support Awutu Winton Senior High School in Ghana. He did not stop at fundraising. Kerry travelled to Ghana last summer and volunteered for several weeks, teaching Economics and Politics to over 150 students, supporting evening WASSCE revision sessions, mentoring pupils, and assisting with extracurricular activities, including football and athletics.

What sets Kerry apart is how far he goes beyond expectations. He designed engaging lessons inspired by his own educational journey from Ghana to the UK, supported the delivery and tracking of donated school resources, and helped strengthen long-term partnerships between UK (i.e. Canford School, Dorset) and Ghanaian schools. His volunteering created lasting value, not a one-off intervention.

As a teammate of Kerry's in the University of Reading athletics and football teams, I have seen first-hand the discipline, leadership, and humility he brings to everything he does. I also supported Kerry by filming his fundraising video and witnessed the care he took to tell the students' stories respectfully and authentically.

Kerry's volunteering is driven by genuine responsibility rather than recognition. He continues to build on this work, planning further fundraising and equipment donations to support students' access to sport and education. His dedication, initiative, and impact make him an exceptional candidate for this award.

Luisa Sutherland

Since the beginning of the year Luisa has been volunteering for Universal Voices and has given up a large amount of her time. There is no task that is too big for her, and she has put the children's needs at the forefront of everything. She even took on extra roles when someone left, which would not normally be asked of someone in her position - and she took it all on without any fuss or complaint. She is highly deserving of recognition, and this award reflects all the work she does alongside her studies.

Mohammed Javad Kamelifar

Parsa has been an outstanding volunteer mentor since July 2025, demonstrating exceptional commitment, care, and leadership within the STaR PG International Mentoring Scheme. As a Real Estate PhD student at HBS, he supports four international postgraduate mentees and has made a significant impact on their wellbeing, confidence, and sense of belonging.

From the very beginning, Parsa goes above and beyond. He contacts his mentees before they arrive in the UK, providing reassurance, practical guidance, and answers to all their questions - making their transition far smoother. Throughout the year, he checks in regularly, brings his mentees together as a group, and creates a community in which they form friendships and support one another. His attentive approach means he notices when someone goes quiet, and he gently ensures they are okay by asking another mentee to check in. This level of care is far beyond what is expected of a volunteer mentor.

A clear example of his impact emerged at an end of year social, where several of his mentees enthusiastically shared how much he has helped them settle in. One mentee described how his early support and ongoing reassurance made their first experience living away from home "much easier," while another highlighted how his honesty and shared experiences have been invaluable as they navigate a new country.

Parsa also works incredibly well with staff, responding quickly and politely to all communication. He readily agreed to take on an extra mentee who was struggling and followed up promptly, showing professionalism and genuine concern for student wellbeing.

Winner of the STaR PG International Mentor of the Year Award 2026, Parsa exemplifies the true spirit of student volunteering. His dedication, kindness, and proactive support have made a transformative difference to the lives of international students, making him a thoroughly deserving nominee for the Student Volunteer of the Year Award.

Sarah Pervaiz

Sarah is an exceptional volunteer whose contribution demonstrates both immediate impact and sustained dedication.

In her first semester at university, she has already taken on multiple volunteering roles. As a campus lighting auditor, she dedicated 1 hour a week for five weeks to checking university buildings, switching off unnecessary lighting, and recording data to support research into improving energy efficiency. This work delivered immediate reductions in energy use while also contributing to longer-term institutional sustainability strategies. This also contributed to completing the RED Sustainable Action Award.

As a Course Representative, Sarah attends meetings to present student concerns and works proactively with staff to propose solutions, helping ensure student feedback leads to meaningful change. She also volunteered for two hours at a bake sale organised by the Islamic Society, helping raise funds for One Ummah's Week of Change campaign, which supports global initiatives to improve access to education and school resources for children worldwide.

Alongside her university commitments, Sarah has volunteered fortnightly for four hours as a tutor at Cumberland Road Masjid since September 2025. In this role, she supports lesson delivery and provides one-to-one support to help pupils build confidence and engagement in learning.

Her dedication to volunteering spans over five years. During this time, she has consistently volunteered at Cumberland Road Masjid as both a tutor and a member of the youth leadership group, where she helped organise fundraising events, including raising £200 for a Gaza appeal. She has also supported large-scale community events with attendances of up to 1,000 people, collecting donations, assisting at food stalls, and welcoming attendees. Previously, volunteering as a Head Student during sixth form (2024-2025), Sarah helped lead the student council to support initiatives such as establishing a prayer space. In this role she also helped to raise £850 for Comic Relief.

Silas Chan

Silas is a third-year Psychology student at the University of Reading who gives his time generously alongside a demanding schedule. In addition to volunteering with ABC to read, he serves as International Co-ordinator for Reading University Christian Union, where he organises events to help international students settle, build friendships, and develop conversational English. He also works as a Bars and Dining Assistant. Despite these commitments, Silas approaches his volunteering with consistency, care, and enthusiasm.

Silas supports three Year 3 children at Redlands Primary School for two afternoons each week. Two of these children have English as an additional language. One child, like Silas, has roots in Hong Kong. When this child first started the sessions, reading aloud was a source of anxiety. He avoided eye contact, hesitated over simple words, and often said he was "bad at reading". Silas recognised this lack of confidence immediately. He took time to build trust, choosing books carefully, breaking tasks into small steps, and offering calm encouragement. Over time, the child began to read with greater fluency and, more importantly, with pride. He now volunteers to read aloud and leaves sessions smiling.

Silas understands that reading is central to both academic progress and self-confidence, and that one-to-one support can be transformative. I have observed him working with each child patiently and thoughtfully, offering praise that is genuine and specific. He shows strong empathy, draws on his own experiences, and ensures sessions are engaging and enjoyable.

Silas is always positive, reliable, and approachable. He arrives prepared, with a genuine smile, and has made a clear and lasting impact on the children he supports. His commitment to helping others succeed makes him an outstanding candidate for Student Volunteer of the Year.

Tan Yi Xin

Tan Yi Xin is an outstanding Part 3 student in the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme at the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) whose sustained voluntary contributions have significantly enhanced student engagement, outreach, and the visibility of the School of the Built Environment. She is also a recipient of the Provost Scholarship, reflecting her academic excellence and commitment to the University.

She volunteered extensively during Open Days and outreach sessions, supporting academic and marketing teams by welcoming prospective students and parents, sharing her learning experiences, and answering questions about the programme and student life. As a student representative for visiting secondary school students, she shared her academic journey, co-curricular involvement, and career aspirations, providing an authentic student perspective that helped prospective students make informed decisions and enhanced their understanding of university study and the Quantity Surveying profession.

Additionally, she volunteered as an emcee for numerous school events, including Professional Practice Talks, Career Talks, Sustainability Series, and BIM Series. She also emceed high-profile events organised by the School, such as the MoU Ceremony and the Global Forum on "AI and Quantity Surveying: Leaders' Perspectives from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand," attended by large audiences of local and international participants. She worked closely with academic staff and fellow student volunteers to coordinate event programmes, manage speaker transitions, brief presenters, and liaise with organisers and participants. She monitored programme timing and provided real-time cues to ensure sessions started and ended on schedule, contributing to the smooth, professional, and timely delivery of these large-scale events.

Furthermore, she represented the school at events organised by professional bodies and other universities, including the CIDB/CIOB Youth Arena Convention Malaysia 2025 and the AQSA Research & Education Conference 2024. She engaged with industry professionals, academics, and student delegates, enhancing the University's visibility. She shared key insights with peers, encouraging participation in professional activities and awareness of industry trends and research opportunities.

Tan Yi Xin has consistently gone above and beyond in her volunteering, demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and leadership. Her contributions have positively impacted student recruitment, engagement, and school outreach, exemplifying the spirit of student volunteering and leadership at UoRM. Her efforts have strengthened partnerships, enhanced event quality, and inspired peers to contribute actively too.

Yildrit Miftari

I am nominating myself for the Student Volunteer of the Year Award for my contributions as a volunteer in ALSA UK's campaigns team. I created and lead #ConfidentlyDigital, a campaign designed to inspire young people to use technology positively and build digital confidence. Through this initiative, I have reached students from diverse backgrounds, providing practical guidance and encouragement to engage with digital tools safely and creatively.

Beyond the campaign, I supported ALSA UK's Impact Report 2025 by collecting, cleaning, and analysing event feedback data. I provided both quantitative insights and qualitative summaries of attendees' comments, delivering meaningful findings to the CEO. Balancing this alongside my campaign work, university studies, and part-time job was challenging, but I managed to consistently meet deadlines and maintain high-quality output.

Volunteering at ALSA UK has been transformative. It has strengthened my confidence, communication, and creative problem-solving skills, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have taken initiative at every opportunity - developing campaign content, analysing data, and engaging with the charity's community, to ensure my work has tangible impact.

I am proud that my volunteering goes beyond completing tasks; it reflects a commitment to making a difference, fostering digital empowerment, and supporting young people. I believe my dedication, creativity, and willingness to go above and beyond exemplify the spirit of the Student Volunteer of the Year Award.

Nominees

• Alan Guedes
• Alison Hall
• Congxia Li
• Katy Lanxon
• Rachel Helsby
• Sajan Goraya

Alan Guedes

I wish to nominate myself for the Staff Volunteer Award in recognition of my involvement in activities that support student wellbeing and widening participation. Alongside my academic role, I have contributed in ways to support a more inclusive environment for both students and colleagues.

My volunteering in wellbeing is grounded in my active participation in my School's Wellbeing and Mental Health Group. Through this group, I supported the organisation and delivery of informal wellbeing activities, including a wellbeing coffee session on 09 June 2025 and wellbeing walks on 30 June 2025 and 01 April 2026. These activities aimed to create low-pressure opportunities for staff and students to connect and engage around wellbeing. To better support others, I undertook Mental Health First Aider training, becoming the first Mental Health First Aider in my department, which has a high proportion of neurodivergent students. I also volunteer as part of the University Wellbeing Peer Support Network, which includes only two academic staff members, allowing me to offer peer-based mental health support and signposting.

I have also volunteered my time to support widening participation through "Access Reading," which took place on Wednesday 16 April 2024. My contribution included informal engagement with students and delivery of a study skills session tailored to those interested in Computer Science. The session focused on helping students understand academic expectations and develop confidence in approaching university-level study, particularly for students from socio-economically disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.

My volunteering reflects a sustained commitment to supporting diversity and wellbeing through practical contribution. Through continued engagement in wellbeing and widening participation activities, I aim to contribute to an inclusive academic environment for both students and colleagues.

Alison Hall

Alison has demonstrated dependable commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion through her dedicated volunteer work as our accessibility bus driver at key recruitment events. She has consistently supported our large-scale recruitment events of Open Days, Offer Holder Days and Clearing events, and more recently our Community Festival, ensuring that prospective students and visitors with accessibility requirements can equally access our campus and have a positive, welcoming experience.

Alison's contribution goes beyond simply driving the accessibility bus. She actively advocates for event attendees with accessible needs by providing valuable feedback on operational challenges and improvement ideas, directly contributing to enhanced accessibility provision across our events. Her insights have helped shape an enhanced inclusive approach to event planning and delivery, ensuring we continuously improve the experience for all visitors.

Alison creates a warm, welcoming environment for passengers, demonstrating that accessibility is not just about physical access but about dignity, respect and genuine care. This approach has a direct impact on student recruitment, as prospective students and their families experience first-hand that the University is a place where everyone belongs and is valued.

At Community Festival, Alison's work extends our commitment to inclusion into the wider community, demonstrating that we are an open and accessible neighbour. Her long-standing dedication to this role serves as a powerful example of how individual volunteers can drive meaningful EDI impact, ensuring that accessibility needs are not an afterthought, but a priority embedded in everything we do.

Congxia Li

I am writing to nominate Associate Professor Congxia Li for the Staff Volunteer of the Year Award, in recognition of her exceptional and sustained voluntary contributions to the community at the University of Reading.

Congxia has demonstrated long-term commitment and leadership in community engagement, particularly in promoting cultural inclusion and Chinese language education. Her voluntary contributions include organising and leading annual Chinese New Year celebrations on campus, which promote cultural inclusion and build strong connections with local communities, enhancing cultural understanding and diversity among both students and staff at the University of Reading. She has also acted as a long-standing volunteer supporter of the Reading Chinese School, where she has provided mentoring to teachers and offered support related to securing local council funding, as well as offering advice and support to local schools delivering Mandarin Chinese curricula, helping to strengthen teaching practice and engagement.

Through these activities, Congxia has made a meaningful and lasting impact on students, staff, children, families, educators, and schools across the local community.

David Hallam

Dave exemplified what it means to be an outstanding colleague, advocate, and community builder. As a core member of the Staff Disability Plus Network, he was a quiet but powerful activist, consistently present, deeply supportive, and always making a meaningful difference. His sunflower lanyard was more than a symbol; it was a visible statement of identity, inclusion, and solidarity that reflected his values and commitment to accessibility. Dave actively supported the launch of the Sunflower Campaign by proudly wearing the lanyard and raising awareness of its purpose, particularly during the Covid pandemic, a time when many disabled individuals felt especially vulnerable. Through quiet advocacy and everyday actions, he helped others feel seen and supported.

Dave's contributions went far beyond his formal role. In November 2023 the Staff Disability Plus Network organised a comedy night open to staff and the community as part of Disability History Month. Dave provided vital technical support and photography, ensuring the event ran smoothly and contributed to its success. Just as importantly, he was a calm, reassuring presence behind the scenes, someone others could rely on to make things work and to make people feel safe and supported.

One of Dave's most significant and lasting contributions was his instrumental role in establishing the Network's mixed media club. This inclusive initiative was created to explore disability representation across books, films, music, and other forms of media, and to raise awareness through accessible discussion. He identified that a traditional reading group might not be accessible to everyone and from this insight, the well-received mixed media club was born - flexible and genuinely inclusive of different access needs and ways of engaging. This perfectly captured Dave's approach: thoughtful, creative, and quietly transformative.

Katy Lanxon

Katy Lanxon has made an exceptional contribution to the Staff Disability Plus Network by actively shaping conversations, resources, and supporting awareness especially around neurodiversity. She is consistently present and accessible to Network members, volunteering not only her time, but her emotional labour, something that cannot be overstated in its value.

Katy brings a wealth of experience into Network activities, helping to shape ideas, influence discussions, and contribute to the development of meaningful and practical resources. She consistently participates in Network discussions, responding with care, insight, and reliability, even when topics are complex or sensitive. This has strengthened the Network and has helped people feel more confident to come forward, disclose their needs, and begin conversations about reasonable adjustments, impacting positively the wider university community. Katy always approaches these situations with care, signposting relevant university resources and policies, so individuals feel supported and included.

Her dedication is especially evident in emotionally demanding areas of volunteering, where she repeatedly supports difficult one-to-one or group conversations around mental health. Katy always contributes thoughtful, practical advice in Network chats, offering clear information on support routes, workplace adjustments, and signposting internal and external resources. Her active listening has earned the trust of Network members, helping individuals feel seen and empowered.

Katy's impact extends beyond the Network. She represented the university at the development of the toolkit 'Embracing Neurodiversity at Work' led by Ethical Reading. Her input directly informed the development of the toolkit, which now aims to serve as a practical resource for guidance and best practice at the workplace in the community. She organised the presentation of the toolkit to the Network, which was well-attended and prompted further Network action around inclusive communication and line manager support.

By sharing her lived experience, including on sensitive topics such as mental health, Katy has gone above and beyond to reduce stigma and foster trust, helping shift conversations from awareness to meaningful action. She has done so with exceptional care, responsibility, and awareness of safeguarding.

Rachel Helsby

I would like to nominate Rachel Helsby in recognition of her outstanding voluntary contribution and unwavering commitment to women's health and wellbeing as a volunteer with the Women's Network. Rachel is a passionate advocate whose dedication has made a transformative impact across our Women's Network and the wider community.

As a Steering Group Member of the Network, Rachel has been a driving force behind the Women's Health Initiative, shaping its vision, direction, and delivery. Her leadership has brought energy, clarity, and purpose to our work, ensuring that women's health remains a visible, accessible, and empowering priority. Rachel's ability to take ideas forward, organise effectively, and inspire others has enabled the initiative to grow far beyond expectation. Women's Health Cafés have become one of our most popular events, thanks entirely to Rachel's vision and dedication.

Rachel has proactively developed links with other women's networks, community groups, and partner organisations, creating a vibrant ecosystem of support and collaboration. She is a natural people person who can effortlessly network and join dots. Through these relationships, she has helped the Network thrive, ensuring that our work is informed, inclusive, and enriched by diverse perspectives.

Among her many achievements, Rachel has championed Health Cafés, menopause guidance and a range of accessible wellbeing resources. These initiatives have opened up vital conversations, reduced stigma, and provided practical support to countless women.

Youngs Nyirenda

Having lived at Reading Whiteknights Campus and interacting with the Berkshire communities, plus some study travels to Switzerland from the University of Reading, I am nominating myself for this award across four areas of contribution.

At my church, Seventh Day Adventist, I am a teacher and counsellor, working to influence character building and life skills among the youth. So far I have assisted more than 100 young people to turn away from violent living and become responsible young ladies and gentlemen who are accepted in the community. I also teach them small-scale business skills to help them become self-sufficient.

Culturally, I own and manage a group of young traditional dancers in my county, Mzuzu, Malawi. I have a group of 50 youths aged between 6 and 19 years. I am training them in local tradition to promote cultural, traditional and moral values so that the youth can co-exist in the community regardless of age, tribe, religion or political affiliation. The youth generate resources through arts, crafts and modelling of dancing outfit costumes.

In my village, I have taught my fellow villagers about new farming technologies to promote food security. I organise them into farmer organisations, pooling their money together to buy fertilizer cheaply in bulk at wholesale. This has helped my village become food secure and increase income from farming.

As a sportsman, I play football and use this as an opportunity to attract young people to play with me as a role model, demonstrating that it is possible to be educated while still remaining active and connected within the local community.

Nominees

• Alanna Downing
• Amy Tisi
• Andrea Malcolm
• Andy Cunningham
• Audrey Jong
• Ben Parkinson
• Brian Heathcote
• Catriona Cook
• Celia Wigton
• Darren Staniforth
• Elise May
• Eugene Seah Hsiu-Min
• Fathima Nisha Hussain Nismy
• Hiral Patel
• Howard Morgan
• Ian Burn / John Grainger / Terry Dixon (joint nomination)
• Jake Scott
• Jean Hartley
• Jenny Knight
• Jeremy Pyne
• Karl Daniel Klee
• Michael Mehta
• Michael Dornan
• Okon Frank
• Ong See Lian
• Paul Harris
• Philip Cook
• Pina Danagher
• Roger Sharland
• Sheldon Allen
• Stephen Rawsthorne

Alanna Downing

I am nominating Alanna in recognition of the exceptional impact she has made as a volunteer mentor on the Thrive programme. Although she has volunteered with Thrive for just two years, her contribution has been significant, wide-reaching, and far beyond what is typically expected of a mentor.

Alanna is deeply committed to supporting disabled and neurodivergent students. Through one-to-one mentoring and speed-mentoring sessions, she helps students better understand the realities of the modern workplace and empowers them to be authentic, confident advocates for themselves at work. Her lived experience and openness around inclusion make her guidance especially impactful.

Alanna has also gone above and beyond her mentoring role by volunteering to proofread and provide detailed feedback on the Thrive mentee handbook and RED Awards pathways in the past year, ensuring these resources are accessible and inclusive for all students. In addition, she will be attending the RED Awards Sustainable Action and Global Engagement Conference in March, where she will advocate for workplace inclusion and share her story with a wider student audience.

Alanna is a huge support to the Thrive team and an outstanding role model whose dedication, advocacy, and impact far exceed her time on the programme.

Amy Tisi

I am nominating Amy Tisi for Alumni Volunteer of the Year because her sustained, hands-on volunteering has made a measurable difference in her community for over a decade.

In 2015, Amy co-founded The Baby Bank to support families struggling to afford essential baby items. Through her leadership as Chair of Trustees until 2024, and now as a continuing trustee, Amy has helped to guide the charity from a grassroots initiative to a professional organisation that now employs three staff members and supports hundreds of local families every year.

Since 2021, Amy has also been a key volunteer with Clewer and Dedworth Together, in one of Windsor's most deprived neighbourhoods. She has helped deliver four Rock the Rec music festivals, volunteer-run and low-cost events that open access to live music, create participation opportunities for local people, and increase community pride. These festivals have directly increased local involvement and given residents practical experience in event volunteering.

Amy's impact goes beyond large events. She organises wreath-making workshops, where she teaches practical skills and encourages people to get involved. She also worked with the committee to bring Christmas lights to the community, helping boost morale and local spirit during Covid.

Alongside her volunteering, Amy is a busy mother of three and an active local councillor, yet she continues to step in to help others whenever needed, including caring for a friend's child during a medical emergency.

Amy's contributions demonstrate clear impact, long-term commitment and a willingness to go above and beyond, making her a highly deserving nominee.

Andrea Malcolm

Andrea Malcolm and Hiral Patel have worked in close partnership on the Community Engagement Steering Group for two years, transforming how the University connects with local communities. Meeting regularly and contributing far beyond formal sessions, they have combined complementary strengths - Andrea's leadership and deep community ties with Hiral's professional and academic expertise in spatial design and her own strong networks - to deliver lasting, measurable impact.

Together, they spearheaded Ordinary Women; Extraordinary Voices, bringing new audiences to campus and challenging traditional approaches to inclusivity. Andrea's outreach ensured strong participation, while Hiral shaped the physical environment, so the event felt accessible and welcoming for all. They also played pivotal roles in the pilot for community use of campus spaces: Andrea secured stakeholder buy-in, and Hiral ensured the spaces meet diverse user needs by applying evidence-based principles on how people experience place.

Crucially, Andrea and Hiral went above and beyond their original commitment to the Steering Group. They led the White Ribbon event focused on ending violence against women, amplifying our shared commitment to safety and equality. They also ran a stall at the 2026 Community Fair, engaging residents about opportunities to use campus spaces and gathering real-time feedback that is informing our next phase of work.

Their teamwork is exemplary: they plan together, divide tasks by strength, and reconvene to evaluate impact - creating a virtuous cycle of learning and improvement. This collaborative model has inspired colleagues across Professional Services and academic departments to adopt more inclusive, partnership-led approaches. Importantly, Andrea and Hiral continue to work with us even though they have stood down from the steering group. For their outstanding teamwork, dedication, and sustained contributions, we proudly nominate Andrea Malcolm and Hiral Patel for Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year.

Andy Cunningham

Andy Cunningham has been a volunteer mentor on the Thrive Mentoring Scheme for seven years, demonstrating an exceptional and sustained commitment to supporting students' career development and future employability. During this time, he has provided consistent, high-quality guidance to numerous mentees, helping them build confidence, clarify their goals, and navigate early career decisions.

In the past three years alone, Andy has mentored 12 students, typically committing around one hour per month to each mentee. This represents a significant ongoing investment of his time and expertise, going well beyond a one-off or short-term volunteering role. His long-standing involvement highlights his reliability, generosity, and genuine passion for student development.

Andy has also gone above and beyond his core mentoring responsibilities. Last year, he volunteered to deliver a talk to students on the theme that personal background does not have to determine future success. This session had a powerful impact, reassuring students who may have lacked confidence in their career prospects and encouraging them to see wider possibilities for their futures.

Through both one-to-one mentoring and wider engagement activities, Andy has had a lasting positive impact on students across multiple cohorts. His seven years of continuous volunteering, combined with his willingness to contribute additional time and insight, make him an outstanding nominee for the Celebration of Volunteering Awards and a strong candidate for the Centenary Long Service Award.

Audrey Jong

Since 2021, Audrey has served as a specialised UK alumni mentor in Munich, bridging the gap between the UK Common Law system and the German Civil Law environment. Despite Audrey's demanding schedule as an in-house counsel at Infineon Technologies AG, she has dedicated significant time to: guiding prospective students via LinkedIn, WhatsApp and expat groups, providing advice on navigating the German legal market with a Reading/UK degree; hosting one-on-one coffee meet-ups and participating in UK alumni/British Council events to foster a local support network; and actively sharing her journey of becoming an admitted lawyer in Germany without the Staatsexamen (German Bar Exam), proving the value and global versatility of a Foxhill School of Law education.

Audrey's efforts have provided the University with a high-profile presence in a key European tech hub. By demystifying the transition between legal systems, Audrey has given prospective students the confidence to commit to Reading. As one mentee noted: "Having a local contact in Big Tech makes the global value of a Reading degree feel tangible. Furthermore, the quality of my education was validated by my previous employer, who remarked that my Reading background produced a truly great lawyer."

Audrey has demonstrated a consistent five-year commitment (2021-2026) to the Reading community. While many view the Common Law/Civil Law divide as an impassable barrier, Audrey has gone above and beyond by systematically documenting a blueprint for success and sharing it with the next generation. Despite the intense pressures of a legal career at global organisations like Infineon and TDK, Audrey has remained a constant, accessible resource, proving that a Reading degree is a premier tool for global legal excellence.

Ben Parkinson

This is Ben's 10th year of volunteering with the Thrive Mentoring Scheme, having first joined in 2016. Ben really enjoys the mutual respect, commitment and dedication shown by those he has worked with. He has set up regular times to speak with mentees, listen and establish objectives to work towards, critique CVs and covering letters, practise interview techniques and introduce mentees to networking opportunities, industry further training schemes, work experience placements and for some, their future employers.

He has maintained progress with mentees by engendering flexibility and accommodating catchups across the working day where possible and across geographies as work and life has required (from Nigeria, to UAE, across the UK and Europe).

In that time he is proud to have volunteered over 150 hours working with Lauren Lemcke (work experience with Morgan Carr and graduate role with Robinson Low Francis), Danielle Page (graduate role with Turner & Townsend), William Boateng (work experience with WT Partnership and graduate role at Core 5), Thomas Lavelle (graduate role at Gardiner & Theobald), Mizar Jairamdas Pai (graduate role with Turner & Townsend), Nitant Gurung (internship with Arcadis), Judi Soliman (work shadowing at Bayer), and now Chibueze Nwagwu (working to secure opportunities in Finance).

Ben is perhaps most proud of the virtual work experience tasks he created for William at short notice, following the introduction of COVID lockdown restrictions and the inability to meet in person. The tasks were taken from real life cost estimating, procurement and programme management challenges he was experiencing in the early days of delivering the Nightingale Hospital at London ExCel exhibition centre. These tasks have since been adapted further for use with other people as an introduction to Quantity Surveying and Project Management.

Brian Heathcote

Brian has spent over 60 years volunteering for a range of organisations including Task Force (1963-69), MAYC Youth Leader (1965-1976), Higher Education Executive for the Government of Papua New Guinea, Volunteer Lecturer in two Colleges of Education (1975), Volunteer Hostel Manager, and the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).

We're delighted that our incredible volunteers are now formally recognised at the annual YHA Awards, with the introduction of an Outstanding Volunteer Award. Brian received this award as YHA's longest active volunteer manager, with over 50 years of service supporting dozens of hostels and inspiring a new generation through family hostelling adventures.

As Brian said on receiving his award, he dedicates it to the volunteers and members who keep YHA thriving. We're proud to recognise our brilliant volunteer community, who make everything we do possible.

Catriona Cook

Catriona Cook was 16 when her aunt explained that through her youth, she had enjoyed various equine activities which had all been delivered by volunteers; for the rest of her life, she would be expected to give back to society. In 1984, she vowed to devote her life to cajoling local authorities over their statutory duty to protect and properly record rights of way.

As former Yorkshire County solicitor Ian Ross noted: "Sadly, this area has no Catriona Cook to make local authority officers toe the line, we need people like her to ensure that officers do their jobs properly."

She spread enthusiasm to others, by taking children for rides and giving talks to volunteers enabling research and submission of definitive map modification orders (DMMOs) and rode and raised funds of £20,000 through high profile 250-450-mile Journeys for Access. Through historical research, writing of statements, presenting at public inquiries, and being cross examined she has helped to return some 140 miles of bridleway to the public, for this and all future generations.

The right to roam for walkers was gained at the expense of riders, who lost their ridden rights over all moorland and beaches. The final injustice was the introduction of a cut-off date for the ability to record ancient bridleways which was revoked in Wales, but in England the legislation has been activated and if not revoked will mean extinguishment of all ancient rights whether recorded as DMMOs or not on 31st December 2030.

She was told by her cancer nurse, "that when your notes came to the top of the pile, the consultant looked over the top of his glasses and said, 'You all know who this is, don't you?' The others replied 'Yes, she saves our lives by getting us off the roads onto lost bridleways, so we must look after her!'"

The public need to know what they stand to lose. In 2013 she was honoured by an MBE, which stands for her mantra of MORE BRIDLEWAYS EVERYWHERE!

A quote from BHS Mark Corrigan: "A recent Microsoft Teams meeting attended by volunteers throughout Yorkshire highlighted to me the esteem of Catriona with volunteers commenting 'thank you so much for organising the meeting having access like this to Catriona Cook who willingly shared her historical knowledge and expertise throughout was incredible.'"

Her contributions have transformed access for equestrians and the wider public, leaving an enduring impact on communities across Yorkshire.

Celia Wigton

Celia has been a fantastic mentor so far. In 3 months, she has helped me understand an industry I am interested in pursuing, has given me feedback and guidance on my CV, and how my skills would benefit the wide range of jobs in the nuclear industry. She has also helped me understand important concepts that are related to my studies.

Celia is super friendly and helpful and has brought good energy to every meeting, paving a way forward for the rest of the mentorship and giving me confidence in myself that I have the skills that I need for a career after university. Thank you!

Darren Staniforth

Darren Staniforth has been a volunteer mentor on the Thrive Mentoring Scheme for nine years, demonstrating an exceptional and sustained commitment to supporting students during their studies and long after graduation. Since 2021 alone, he has mentored 16 students. This level of involvement reflects both his dedication and his belief in the transformative value of mentoring.

Darren consistently goes far beyond the expected mentoring commitment. He provides in-depth technical guidance, careers advice, networking opportunities, and employer insight, while also offering reassurance, encouragement, and personal support. This has been particularly impactful for international students, who have described how Darren "takes them under his wing," providing vital guidance through the UK education and employment system.

His commitment extends well beyond formal programme boundaries. Darren has continued to coach and support former mentees after their official mentoring period ended, helping with CV writing, job applications, interview preparation, and career decision-making. He recently attended the graduations of two former mentees, expressing pride in their achievements - an example of the genuine, long-term relationships he builds with students.

Students repeatedly describe Darren as going "above and beyond," citing industry days, workplace visits, introductions to leading companies, and hands-on learning experiences that have directly contributed to securing placements and employment. His mentoring has helped students gain confidence, clarify career direction, and achieve outcomes such as securing highly competitive placements, including at organisations like PepsiCo.

Darren's exceptional impact has been recognised through multiple student-led award nominations and a previous Celebration of Volunteering nomination. Through nine years of service, sustained high levels of engagement, and life-changing support for students, Darren exemplifies outstanding volunteering and is a highly deserving nominee for both the Celebration of Volunteering Awards and the Centenary Long Service Award.

Elise May

I would like to nominate Elise because she has been an incredible Thrive mentor to me. She has gone above and beyond to research and send me opportunities which are relevant to me, and I have appreciated the support in and out of our meetings. She has a way of comforting me through my career worries and has encouraged me in my degree and professional advancement. Without our relationship, I would not have pushed myself to think about my future or seek opportunities that interest me in my final year of university. I have to thank Elise for believing in me throughout this journey.

Eugene Seah Hsiu-Min

Sr Dr. Eugene Seah Hsiu-Min is an outstanding alumnus and industry partner whose long-standing voluntary contributions have had a significant impact on student development, industry engagement, and academic-professional collaboration at the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM).

He graduated from the University of Reading, UK, with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying in 1999 and has remained actively engaged with the University as an alumnus and industry partner over the years. Since 2018, he has sponsored student awards during graduation ceremonies, recognising academic excellence. In the 2025 graduation ceremony, he sponsored the "Research Excellence Award," encouraging students to pursue high-quality undergraduate research and strengthening a culture of academic excellence.

Prior to his formal appointment, he regularly delivered guest lectures and shared his industry experience with students, contributing to their professional development and industry awareness. He was appointed as a Visiting Fellow in October 2024, further formalising his long-standing engagement with the University. In July 2025, he contributed an endowment to support students in the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme. The annual returns fund student awards at graduation, support participation in academic events and conferences, enhance learning resources, and support educational initiatives that enrich student learning experiences.

In February 2025, he hosted UoRM students at DLS Consultancy Pte Ltd in Singapore and facilitated academic engagement with the National University of Singapore, including exposure to Net Zero Energy Building initiatives. This educational visit bridged theory and practice and inspired students to pursue innovation, sustainability, and global professional practice.

He also served as a panel member for the Global Forum on "AI and Quantity Surveying: Leaders' Perspectives from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand," organised by the School of the Built Environment in September 2025. Through his regional and international professional networks, he influenced the participation of around 100 academic and industry participants joining both physically and online from Malaysia and overseas, including Indonesia, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, increasing the Forum's regional and international reach and visibility.

Sr Dr. Eugene Seah has consistently gone above and beyond by leveraging his leadership, networks, and expertise to create opportunities for students and strengthen UoRM's industry and regional engagement. His sustained commitment exemplifies the spirit of alumni volunteering and exceptional service to the University.

Fathima Nisha Hussain Nismy

I would like to nominate myself for this award as, since leaving the University of Reading, I have dedicated myself to supporting both local and global humanitarian initiatives. From contributing to development efforts in rural villages in Sri Lanka to assisting with flood-relief operations, I have worked to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

My passion for humanitarian work is deeply rooted in my own upbringing. I was born in a small town in Sri Lanka, where I learned early on the value of community, resilience, and compassion. Growing up in an environment where resources were limited and support systems were vital shaped my desire to give back not only to the communities I come from, but to others facing hardship around the world.

Charity has always held a special place in my heart. Over the years, I have raised more than £5,000 for charitable causes and contributed to over three long-term projects. I have collaborated with several UK-based charities and am currently partnering with Muslim Hands in preparation for a deployment in March.

I am nominating myself because it can be difficult to acknowledge one's own hard work and commitment to meaningful causes. In the midst of ongoing projects, it is easy to overlook the effort, passion, and resilience that go into making a difference. I genuinely believe that my dedication, lived experience, and commitment to humanitarian work make me a strong candidate for this award.

Hiral Patel

Andrea Malcolm and Hiral Patel have worked in close partnership on the Community Engagement Steering Group for two years, transforming how the University connects with local communities. Meeting regularly and contributing far beyond formal sessions, they have combined complementary strengths - Andrea's leadership and deep community ties with Hiral's professional and academic expertise in spatial design and her own strong networks - to deliver lasting, measurable impact.

Together, they spearheaded Ordinary Women; Extraordinary Voices, bringing new audiences to campus and challenging traditional approaches to inclusivity. Andrea's outreach ensured strong participation, while Hiral shaped the physical environment, so the event felt accessible and welcoming for all. They also played pivotal roles in the pilot for community use of campus spaces: Andrea secured stakeholder buy-in, and Hiral ensured the spaces meet diverse user needs by applying evidence-based principles on how people experience place.

Crucially, Andrea and Hiral went above and beyond their original commitment to the Steering Group. They led the White Ribbon event focused on ending violence against women, amplifying our shared commitment to safety and equality. They also ran a stall at the 2026 Community Fair, engaging residents about opportunities to use campus spaces and gathering real-time feedback that is informing our next phase of work.

Their teamwork is exemplary: they plan together, divide tasks by strength, and reconvene to evaluate impact - creating a virtuous cycle of learning and improvement. This collaborative model has inspired colleagues across Professional Services and academic departments to adopt more inclusive, partnership-led approaches. Importantly, Andrea and Hiral continue to work with us even though they have stood down from the steering group. For their outstanding teamwork, dedication, and sustained contributions, we proudly nominate Andrea Malcolm and Hiral Patel for Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year.

Howard Morgan

Howard graduated in 1959 and has been a committed volunteer since then. He was elected as a Swansea Councillor from 1970-2000, serving as a member or Chairman of many committees, and was Lord Mayor of the City 1988/89. He was made a life Alderman in 2005.

Howard completed an Open University BA in 1984. In 1974 he became a Member of Swansea University Court and remains a Life Member. From 1983 he was a member of the University Council for 39 years and is still a lay Trustee of the Students' Union. He received an Hon D.Litt from Swansea University in 2018.

In 1975 he was appointed as a Swansea Bench Magistrate, Chair of the Whole Bench in 2004, retiring in 2008. He was Chair of the West Glamorgan Probation Committee and the West Glamorgan Magistrates Association. He served from 1994-2004 on the South Wales Police Authority and from 1971 became a General Commissioner of the Inland Revenue until 1998.

He was a member of the Welsh Arts Council, its Art Committee and served two terms on the Advisory Committee of the Welsh Independent Broadcasting Authority. He chaired the Swansea Festival of Music and was a founder member and Chairman/President of the Gower Festival of Music, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Additionally, he has served on local organisations such as NSPCC West Glamorgan, Young Farmer's Clubs, Gower Commoner's Association and the Gower Agricultural Society - serving as Chair, President and now Trustee - alongside continuing his business life as the fourth generation on the same farm.

Ian Burn / John Grainger / Terry Dixon (joint nomination)

Ian, John and Terry have given up significant amounts of their time, working in partnership with the University to develop the Centenary Heritage Tour Programme, a series of guided walks to discover the heritage and history of our campuses. The three of them have the most incredible knowledge about the history of our campuses and Reading. Collectively, they have shared this knowledge to create 8 walks, including exploring different parts of Whiteknights Campus, London Road Campus, retracing the steps of the 1984 RAG parade and the University's role during both world wars.

They have also helped to recruit and train 6 students who will be our Centenary Tour Guides, supporting our students in paid professional development, to feel part of our Centenary and share their knowledge with the next generation of future graduates.

Their contribution doesn't end there. Ian and John, both retired members of staff, have been part of The Friends of the University for many years and have, to date, helped develop 9 heritage leaflets that dive into the history of the University. As part of The Friends, they also run walks throughout the year, such as the Foxhill House tours as part of the national Heritage Open Days.

Terry is a true Reading local legend, running Terry's Reading Walkabouts since 2016, which incorporate parts of the University into his walks around the town. His advocacy to bring 'town and gown' together is excellent and he has recently extended his volunteering efforts by joining the University's Community Engagement Steering Group.

Their generosity, expertise and time volunteering to support the University is incredible; the tours simply would not be possible without them.

Jake Scott

Jake has volunteered as our Graduation Health & Safety announcer for the past few years, and we can confidently say no one is better suited for this vital role.

While we understand Jake initially began a work placement with our FTT department, where he has been tremendously valuable, we specifically wish to nominate him for the awesome work he has contributed to Graduation as our announcer.

Delivering announcements across three consecutive days of back-to-back graduation ceremonies is no small achievement. The role is time-precious, requires focus and clear diction. You also often have to quickly adapt to new announcements and timings should the need arise.

Although Jake's primary responsibility was to deliver live Health & Safety announcements, he consistently went above and beyond by supporting guest management and contributing valuable input during morning team briefings. His willingness to step in wherever needed exemplifies his dedication and team spirit.

Jake approaches every ceremony with enthusiasm and genuine joy, celebrating each graduate as they cross the stage, often standing at the back of the ceremony hall for extended periods. His warmth and positive energy uplift every staff member, graduate, and guest he encounters. We can honestly say that Jake is an integral and cherished part of our Graduation experience, and he truly deserves this recognition. We hope he continues to volunteer with us!

Jean Hartley

Jean is a founding Trustee and Vice Chair of the UK charity, Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS), which supports an integrated primary and secondary school for over 300 girls in South Sudan, a country where few girls get education beyond the age of 10. The school was founded at the request of the local community following workshops to help train public officials ready for independence from Sudan in 2011. Jean and her husband John Benington then worked with the local community in Ibba to design, build and open the school, starting with solar powered electricity, provision of the first water taps in the village, followed by classrooms, dormitories and other buildings on a 100-acre site. A boarding school is needed because the catchment area is the entire Western Equatoria State (the size of Scotland) and to provide safety and security, shielding the girls from domestic labour and the risk of early and forced marriage. The school opened to its first 40 students in 2014 and since then has grown annually to its present cohort of 324 girls.

Jean works with hundreds of supporters (including alumni from Reading University) to raise funds for the school (£300,000 required each year). She led the fundraising team for three years, attracting support from individuals, trusts and foundations. She ensured monthly newsletters to supporters for over 10 years. From 2025, Jean is Vice Chair of FIGS, leading partnership work with national and local government and the community in South Sudan, and with Windle Trust International, who provide practical support in South Sudan.

Jean traces her interest in international development to her student days at Reading University, where she led the (then) Third World First group, including running a campaign in December 1971 to raise awareness of the Bangladesh war, which displaced 9 million people. She negotiated with the Registrar for large construction pipes to be brought to the Whiteknights campus, and the student group lived in them for a week, just before Christmas, to raise awareness and funds.

Jenny Knight

Jenny has worked for many years as a volunteer at MERL. She also gives lectures to various groups, including the WI. She has also helped in the medical section as a volunteer for different health experiments. She deserves every accolade for her dedication to the university.

Jeremy Pyne

For several years now, Jeremy has led a team of volunteers in Exminster, working to enhance the village for people and nature - the 'Exminster Greenspaces Team'. Additionally, over the course of 2025, he initiated and launched the Exminster Community Garden - a new initiative to develop a space to help reconnect the community with food, with nature and one another. The Greenspaces team were awarded 'Wildlife Community of the Year' in 2025 by the Devon Local Nature Partnership.

In another busy year, Jeremy acted as MC for a community evening of nature-themed presentations, organised a dawn chorus walk, a summer moth trapping event, established wildflower beds and plans for further tree planting. He coordinated the development of a redesigned village walking trail with free copies provided for every child in the village's primary school. For the last three years, he has collated village results for the nationally led Big Butterfly Count and RSPB Garden Birdwatch citizen science programmes. As part of the team's work, he coordinates management of the village orchard and nature-friendly management of the churchyard. He has brought the work of the Exminster Greenspaces team, along with the inputs of partners, together and summarised in the form of a Nature Recovery Project presented back to the Parish Council and wider community.

The new Community Garden celebrated its first year anniversary this month, with around 40 members of the community coming together to mark the occasion and open new sheds and rain harvesting facilities funded by successful grant applications he submitted for the project. Jeremy has committed every Friday morning over 2025 - missing just 3 over the year - to the garden to lead the core team and create the foundations for a long-term and sustainable community project.

Karl Daniel Klee

Karl has been a mentor with Thrive Mentoring since 2017, supporting undergraduate students from across the world, including Japan, Mongolia, the USA, UK, Pakistan, and Zambia.

Michael Mehta

As my mentor for career advice and consultancy, Michael has provided tremendous professional support and assistance in encouraging my personal development to better prepare and position myself in the industry. He is highly responsive, passionate, and patient. He ensures prompt assistance is provided where necessary and is open to sharing his industrial knowledge, which has provided great insights into my understanding of the industry.

Michael Dornan

Michael Dornan has been a volunteer mentor on the Thrive Mentoring Scheme for eight years and has mentored ten students since 2021 alone. His long-term commitment and the depth of his impact make him an exceptional volunteer mentor.

Michael's mentoring has been described by students as "a crucial experience" and "pivotal" to their success. One mentee, who went on to secure a highly competitive placement in Formula 1, said: "Michael selflessly shared his time, knowledge, and experience to guide me through every step of the process. His tailored advice helped me excel during the interview and stand out from other candidates." Beyond practical guidance, Michael provided emotional support, "instilling confidence when I doubted myself and reminding me of my potential."

What truly distinguishes Michael is how far he goes beyond the expected mentoring role. Despite a demanding career, he "made himself available for countless conversations, always patient and genuinely invested in my success." Students consistently highlight the time he dedicates to in-depth conversations, in-person meetings, and ongoing encouragement. As one mentee shared, "We've spoken for hours, and each interaction has been inspiring. His passion, stories, and ability to connect on a personal level make him an extraordinary mentor."

Michael's impact has been formally recognised through a previous nomination for Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year at the Celebration of Volunteering Awards. He has attended celebration events alongside his mentees, taking pride in their achievements and maintaining strong mentoring relationships.

Michael himself reflects that mentoring is about "understanding the world through your mentee's eyes" and helping them see opportunities from an employer's perspective. Through eight years of service, genuine empathy, and life-changing support for students, Michael Dornan exemplifies outstanding volunteering and is a truly deserving nominee for this award.

Okon Frank

I am nominating myself because, since completing my MSc programme in 2013, I have personally introduced students to the university for enrolment over the course of a decade. Some enrolled and graduated, and one is now a colleague in my office. Others are based in different states across Nigeria.

Ong See Lian

Sr (Dr.) Ong See Lian is an exceptional alumnus and industry partner whose long-standing voluntary contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on student development, industry engagement, and academic-professional collaboration at the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM).

He graduated from the University of Reading, UK, with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying in 1974 and was awarded the University of Reading Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in 2016 in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the profession and the University. He has maintained an active relationship with the University as an alumnus and industry partner.

He has sponsored Graduation Awards for the School of the Built Environment, and in 2025 he sponsored the Academic Excellence Award recognising the highest-performing student in the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme. These awards have encouraged cohorts of students to strive for academic excellence and strengthened alumni engagement and recognition of outstanding achievement.

He has committed to supporting the school's 50-50 Sponsorship Initiative under the Ong Family Sponsorship, a shared funding model between the University and industry sponsors to support deserving Built Environment students. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance, professional development opportunities, and strengthened industry collaboration.

He played a pivotal role in establishing the Memorandum of Understanding between UoRM and Turner & Townsend Quantity Surveying Consultant Sdn. Bhd., enabling student internships, graduate employment pathways, guest lectures, industry workshops, guided site visits, and applied research projects. This partnership supports UoRM's strategic ambition to serve as an ASEAN hub for industry-engaged education.

Prior to his formal appointment, he regularly delivered guest lectures and shared his industry experience with students. He was appointed as a Visiting Fellow in October 2024, formalising his contributions to teaching, mentoring, and industry outreach. He continues to deliver professional practice talks and serves as a panel member for the Global Forum on "AI and Quantity Surveying: Leaders' Perspectives from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand," contributing to attracting around 100 academic and industry participants from Malaysia and overseas.

Sr (Dr.) Ong See Lian has consistently leveraged his international reputation and professional networks to create opportunities for students and strengthen university-industry collaboration. His long-term commitment exemplifies the spirit of alumni volunteering and exceptional service to the University.

Paul Harris

For more than 20 years, Paul has been volunteering, up to 3 days a week, for conservation organisations including Natural England, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Kent Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation. Paul's tasks include scrub clearing, grazing animal management, and species surveys, helped by his background at the University of Reading.

Paul benefits from healthy exercise and friendship within the group. Additionally, he has received training and provision of PPE and now receives paid work from two of the above organisations.

Philip Cook

Philip is an outgoing, engaging, encouraging, mediator-type person and very happy to "get his hands dirty" - to achieve success in motivating, entertaining and creating an environment where others reap enjoyment and happiness. Sometimes this exudes in simple conversations, walking along the pavement, in a shop or at a bus stop - putting a smile on someone's face.

In the past year, Philip has been leading 2 groups within the local University of the Third Age (U3A) - Town Study and Members' Meetings. His role is to lead from the front or to find speakers, researchers, and to coordinate the meeting, which may be in the field involving organising a coach visit (Lewes, Petersfield, Midhurst and Corsham in the past year) or a public venue. Attendance for Town Study and Members' Meetings plus outings can reach 50 people, and he has served as leader/joint leader for these groups for over ten years.

Philip has also been on the Committee of the Berkshire Environmental Association for over ten years, leading several events each year and including hosting an annual home-made cream tea for members in his garden. He has been a member of a west Reading Church of England church for 28+ years and has led the Fellowship group for 15 years; assisted with Sunday worship readings, prayers and welcoming for over 25 years; provided organisation and running of the Lent Lunches for charity; led and arranged the monthly "Open Group" with outside speakers for 8 years (also acting as Treasurer); run "Coffee Mondays" drop-in once a month; and assisted with fundraising events.

Philip has been Treasurer for the Berkshire Gay Link organisation for 23 years and organises and hosts the twice-monthly events, including hosting (and catering) for significant birthday meals, the AGM buffet and firework night with traditional home-cooked food.

Philip is an organiser and facilitator with a reputation for being reliable, hard-working, punctual, and genuinely committed to including and encouraging those who may feel rejected, shy or burdened with life. His home has a reputation for hosting events for up to 20 people, often with friends who are in need of care or respite.

Pina Danagher

I would like to nominate Pina Danagher for the Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year award because of the incredible support, kindness, and guidance she gave me as my Thrive mentor.

From the very beginning, Pina was extremely warm and welcoming. I felt comfortable around her straight away and it was easy to be honest with her about my struggles. She was always understanding and supportive! Throughout the mentoring, I changed my mind many times about what I wanted to do after university. Pina handled this with constant encouragement and understanding, always offering me advice, sharing helpful materials for me to research and supporting me in learning more about different educational models.

One example of this was during my time volunteering in a primary school, when I was asked to support a SEND student with very little prior experience. Pina showed plenty of tips and engagement strategies that really improved my teaching approach.

Pina also went above and beyond by inviting me into her place of work so I could learn more about the 11+ system. She made me feel at ease and gave me the opportunity to shadow her colleagues so I could learn as much as possible. Pina's generosity with her time, her patience, and her genuine care made a lasting impact on me. She is an outstanding mentor and absolutely deserves recognition for the positive difference she has made in my life!

Roger Sharland

The main purpose of this submission is to make known the organisation that Roger founded about 30 years ago and still leads: REAP (Rural Extension with Africa's Poor). The foundation of REAP is based on the need he identified from his early work in Africa to have teaching that is relevant to the rural poor of Africa. Ideas and technologies developed elsewhere may sometimes be helpful, but the practical reality of conditions in Africa need to take priority. It is REAP's experience that unless there is an active focus on those who do not have much money, development projects tend to move to working with those who have access to more resources. REAP is therefore focused on teaching that makes more efficient use of local resources, which significantly includes family labour with few external inputs.

After graduating with a degree in agricultural and forest sciences in 1975, Roger spent most of the next 12 years in what is now South Sudan with an international NGO. On completion of his PhD, which focused on agricultural extension relevant for subsistence farmers, he continued to work with the same NGO but in Kenya for the next four years. After that, he established a small trust, Rural Extension with Africa's Poor, based in Nairobi and proactive in western Kenya, but reactive throughout the eastern African region. The trust was registered in Kenya in 2000, with a sister trust in the UK. On reaching retirement age in 2018, he continued as Director of REAP on a voluntary basis, using his pension.

REAP focuses on teaching about environmentally sustainable approaches through creation care, with an emphasis on caring for the living soil through organic principles and the prevention of soil erosion. The main technology used is Vetiver Grass for natural contours to prevent soil and water runoff. With women's fellowships, there are several grassroots teachings, but the main focus is on improved rural kitchens, which include fuel-efficient wood stoves and other technologies based on clay. A third and growing emphasis is teaching on scientifically based natural medicines.

Sheldon Allen

I am nominating Sheldon because of the exceptional commitment, care, and consistency he has shown in supporting me through his volunteering as a Thrive mentor.

Sheldon is a former student of the University and served as Students' Union President in 2022. He now works as part of the Civil Service Fast Stream, and as a Politics and International Relations student, his insight into government, the public sector, and civil service pathways has been invaluable. He has taken the time to discuss career options with me, inform me of relevant job opportunities and internships, and provide detailed, constructive feedback on my CV. His guidance has been practical, personalised, and always delivered with genuine encouragement.

What truly sets Sheldon apart is how far he goes beyond academic and career support. He makes time for frequent meetings, responds promptly, and consistently checks in to ensure I feel supported. He has also helped me manage the pressures of balancing part-time work alongside my studies, offering realistic and empathetic advice based on his own experience.

During a particularly challenging period in my university journey, Sheldon was instrumental in supporting me on a personal level. He helped me access university resources and support services that I was previously unaware of, explaining complex processes in a clear and reassuring way. He acted as an advocate for me, helping me navigate difficulties that were impacting my academic experience and well-being, and ensuring I did not feel alone or unsupported.

Despite his demanding professional role and current Master's degree in Law, Sheldon consistently makes time to volunteer and support me, something I am forever grateful for.

Stephen Rawsthorne

Stephen's volunteering commenced after a 30-year research career in which he learned a host of skills.

From 2013 to the present, Stephen has been involved in STEM mentoring, supporting North Walsham High School in mentoring Year 9-10 students with 10 contact times per year - with the highlight being two students unexpectedly achieving the highest GCSE score for the school. He has also completed three sessions with the STEM/Brightside online mentoring platform, with the highlight being a student who achieved a Gold Award for a national STEM competition.

Since 2015, Stephen has been a volunteer Director of The Morley Agricultural Foundation (TMAF), bringing scientific expertise to an organisation that funds agri-related research and personal development. He drove the establishment of the fully funded Morley PhD Studentship, which has supported four students to date, and led TMAF's engagement with PhD funding through BBSRC CTP mechanisms supporting a further six PhD students. He sits on all advisory panels, passing on his experience of student development and research decision making.

From 2020, Stephen became a Vaccination Steward and Support Volunteer, becoming a vaccination steward at a regional NHS COVID vaccination centre in Norwich through the RVS Volunteer Responders scheme, and through Norfolk Voluntary Services, supported a local NHS vaccination centre and found further roles supporting the vulnerable in the community through shopping, prescription collecting, hospital driving, and more. This has amounted to 750+ hours of support time, tens of thousands vaccinated, and countless acts of thanks.

Stephen started running in 2020 and through sponsored runs, including two full marathons, has raised over £6,000 for charity. He has also supported Priscilla Bacon Lodge through volunteering at their garden events. The longevity and breadth of his volunteering make him eligible for both the Alumni and Centenary Awards.

Retirement = volunteering = fulfilment!

Nominees:

• Abi D'Souza
• Aditya Bhise
• Alexander Baker
• Amy Clarke
• Amy Tisi (A&S)
• Andrew Linnell
• Andrew Wade
• Andy Cunningham
• Annabel Wood
• Anthony Keeble
• Anya Visegorodceva
• Ashley Rochester
• Audrey Jong
• Ben Parkinson
• Bethan Bourne
• Brenda Morris
• Brian Heathcote
• Brian Richards
• Catriona Cook
• Charlotte Sith
• Congxia Li
• Cyril Parsons
• Daphne Barnes-Philips
• Darren Staniforth
• Esther Oenga
• Eugene Seah Hsiu-Min
• Fathima Nishfa Hussain Nismy
• Gabriela Thomas
• Graeme Lindsell
• Howard Morgan Ian Burn
• Jan Butler
• Jane Skeats
• Jean Hartley
• Jenny Knight
• Jeremy Jones
• John Brazier
• John Grainger
• Karl Daniel Klee
• Keith Sanderson
• Kiera Cox
• Keira Smith
• Kevin Gannaway
• Matthew Bugg
• Maureen Paddick
• Michael Dornan
• Nigel Frankland
• Paul Aplin
• Paul Harris
• Peter McShane
• Philip Cook
• Roger Sharland
• Sarah Jenkins
• Sarah Pervaiz
• See Lian Ong
• Stephanie Mitchell
• Stephen Rawsthorne
• Susan (Sue) Murdoch
• Terry Dixon
• Youngs Nyirenda

Abi D'Souza

Abi has been a volunteer with Girlguiding for 9 years. When she started University, she joined Earley district as a leader with 1st Earley Guides. Less than a term after joining us covid lockdown occurred. As a fresher living away from home; this was a particularly challenging time. However, Abi showed continued commitment and support to volunteering; participating in zoom meetings and writing weekly 'guiding at home' newsletters for members who weren't participating in online meetings. She also compiled a useful document about coping mechanisms and mental health during lockdown. When face to face meetings restarted Abi took on responsibility for 30th Reading guides. Getting to know a new unit and taking on a new leadership role at this time was not easy. However, despite the additional challenges presented by socially distanced meetings; covid risk assessments and regular changes of rules, combined with the challenge of being a student in these very difficult circumstances; Abi's positivity and determination was an inspiration to the rest of the team. The smooth return to indoor guiding and the ongoing success of the unit was a testament to Abi's ongoing commitment and leadership. If Abi had not stepped up as leader, the unit would have had to close. Abi also recruited two other students to help with the unit and supported them in gaining their leadership qualifications.

Abi is particularly passionate about including members with additional needs in the unit and uses her skills and knowledge to support this.

Abi has also been a member of the national Girlguiding advocates' panel. In this role; she took on many opportunities including attending a political party conference; running a panel event in the youth zone highlighting research that shows the prevalence of sexual harassment faced by girls and young women in the UK.

Aditya Bhise

"I am nominating myself for the Centenary Award for Long Service because, for well over a decade, I have shown consistent, hands‑on commitment to community wellbeing, food security and social connection.

My volunteering began in 2009 as a National Social Service (NSS) Team Leader in India (2009-2012), continued through university roles whilst Masters student in UK (ARU Student Ambassador/IT support and seasonal community initiatives, 2012-2013) and Age UK Essex (2013), and has deepened in the UK over the past nine years after coming back to UK in 2016.

Since 2017 I have served as a GoodGym befriender and community‑mission volunteer (2017-2020), providing weekly companionship for older neighbours and practical help at local missions. Since 2017, in Bath's Foxhill where I live, I support elderly residents with day‑to‑day essentials: grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, and providing transport to and from hospital and GP surgeries. I also offer practical "digital first‑aid": setting up phones and tablets, troubleshooting connectivity, and helping people order items safely online so they can remain independent. During the pandemic I volunteered at the Racecourse Covid‑19 vaccination centre (3SG, 2021-2022), managing queues and accessibility needs at busy clinics. As an Olio Food Hero Squad Captain (2021-2022), I coordinated supermarket surplus pickups and community redistribution to reduce waste and get good food to families who needed it. I also volunteered as Treasurer of the Fox Hill Residents' Association (2020-2023), ensuring transparent stewardship of community funds.

Across these roles, I have gone above and beyond by showing up consistently at evenings and weekends, stepping into coordination and leadership where needed, and combining logistics with compassionate, one‑to‑one support.

In total, I have volunteered continuously since 2009, with concentrated service in the Reading/Bath area since 2017. I believe this long, steady contribution reflects the spirit of the University's centenary celebration of community service."

Alexander Baker 

See Alex’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Amy Clarke

Amy has volunteered with rainbows for over 6 years. Rainbows is a Girlguiding group for girls age 4 - 7 that helps them develop their confidence, skills and personal values. For the 4 years Amy has been at university she has volunteered at weekly rainbow meetings in Earley helping plan and run activities and providing opportunities for the girls to have fun, make friends and learn new things. She also volunteered with a rainbow unit in her hometown before moving to Reading. As well as volunteering at weekly meetings; Amy has completed the Girlguiding Leadership qualification. She is an enthusiastic leader. In addition to volunteering with the rainbows Amy also took the opportunity to help on the district camp with brownies (age 7 to 10) and guides (age 10 to 14) working as part of a team to support a young member with additional needs. Amy is also attending camp as a leader this summer providing the guide age group with the opportunity to attend a large-scale camp with thousands of other young people from around the UK and beyond. On this camp, Amy will be taking on the role of 1st aider for our group of guides and supporting a young member with additional needs to help her access the camp.

Amy Tisi

See Amy’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Andrew Linnell

Andrew Linnell has already clocked up over 600 hours as a Visitor Welcome volunteer since joining The MERL team in late 2020. He is exceptionally warm and friendly to all visitors and goes above and beyond to meet their needs.

Andrew is a former headteacher and applies his experience to 'read' visitors well, immediately engaging them to find out what their interests are and tailor their visitor experience accordingly.

As just one example of how he goes the extra mile, Andrew is often to be found showing a small group through to the more historic parts of the MERL building. This includes facilitating a literal trip down memory lane for visitors who once lived in the building when it was St Andrew's Hall. The Staircase Hall now features our exhibition space, showcasing items from the University's art, archives, library and object collections, and Andrew shares his passion for our museum and its collections by ensuring visitors don't miss this part of the visitor experience.

Andrew is an excellent coach and mentor to new volunteers of all ages, and he has a particular aptitude for inspiring those who need a bit more support as they start their volunteering journey. Andrew will take someone under his wing, such as a work experience student, and model an excellent example of how to make others feel welcome.

Andrew shares his knowledge about wider community volunteering with colleagues to help with other projects - for example, he has advised us on best practice on working with sanctuary seekers to help us meet our aims for the accreditation we hold as a Museum of Sanctuary.

Andrew Wade 

Andrew is a hugely respected Welfare Officer and run leader at Reading Joggers and is also key in developing the interest in volunteering and confidence of new volunteers around him. In his Welfare role he has navigated many complex and sensitive situations and accessed and implemented guidance from national organisations. He also co-ordinates the Reading Joggers London Marathon volunteering offer, attending planning meetings and implementing the practicalities. “Andrew is a big part of what keeps our Club a happy and thriving club, with members developing their roles, skills & experiences." Louise Dix, Reading Jogger, fellow Welfare Officer.

"He has brought gravity and good leadership to the role of welfare officer within the club. He has helped the club and individuals to navigate thorny situations and has done this with great sensitivity. Outside of his committee role he sought and developed the relationship with London Marathon Events creating opportunities for the club to serve and participate in these public events such as the London Marathon and Triathlon events. These events are brilliant and Andrew co-ordinates and manages club participation in these events which is no small task, and we are most grateful to him for that. He regularly leads groups out on our club nights and volunteers at Parkrun. Andrew is an unassuming man who makes a significant impact on our club. He has a big heart, and our club is a much better place for him and what he does for us." Jolyon Roe Chairman Reading Joggers.

Having started volunteering in 2022, Andrew was nominated for a 2025 club-award, "Andrew is always very approachable and leads the Tuesday groups, also being the welfare contact in case anyone has any concerns or just wants to talk things through as I find he always makes time to listen to you."

Andy Cunningham

See Andy’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Annabel Wood

See Annabel’s full nomination in the Student Volunteer of the Year award category.

Anthony Keeble

See Anthony’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Anya Visegorodceva

See Anya’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Ashley Rochester

See Ash’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Audrey Jong

See Audrey’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Ben Parkinson

This is Ben's 10th year of volunteering with the Thrive Mentoring Scheme having first joined in 2016.

Ben really enjoys the mutual respect, commitment and dedication shown by those he has worked with. He has set-up regular times to speak with Mentees, listen and establish objectives to work towards, critique CVs and covering letters, practise interview techniques and introduce Mentees to networking opportunities, industry further training schemes, work experience placements and for some, their future employers.

He has maintained progress with Mentees by engendering flexibility with the Mentees and accommodating catch-ups across the working day where possible and across geographies as work and life has required (from Nigeria, to UAE, across the UK and Europe).

In that time he is proud to have volunteered over 150 hours working with:

- Lauren Lemcke (work experience with Morgan Carr and graduate role with Robinson Low Francis),

- Danielle Page (graduate role with Turner & Townsend),

- William Boateng (work experience with WT Partnership and graduate role at Core 5),

- Thomas Lavelle (graduate role at Gardiner & Theobald),

- Mizar Jairamdas Pai (graduate role with Turner & Townsend),

- Nitant Gurung (internship with Arcadis),

- Judi Soliman (work shadowing at Bayer),

- and now Chibueze Nwagwu (we are working to secure opportunities in Finance).

Ben is perhaps most proud of the virtual work experience tasks he created for William at short notice, following the introduction of COVID lockdown restrictions and the inability to meet in person. The tasks were taken from real life cost estimating, procurement and programme management challenges he was experiencing in the early days of delivering the Nightingale Hospital at London ExCel exhibition centre. These tasks have since been adapted further for use with other people as an introduction to Quantity Surveying and Project Management.

Bethan Bourne

See Bethan’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Brenda Morris

Brenda joined the University in 1985 to support the management of The Friends of the University of Reading and the Old Students Association. Brenda took early retirement in July 2015 after 30 years' service and from that point she retained her role as Secretary to The Friends on a voluntary basis. For the following two years Brenda convened the Committee and Annual General meetings, dealt with applications for membership, managed the association's annual grant scheme that supports activities and projects for departments and student societies which otherwise lack any or sufficient funding, and organised talks, tours, concerts and campus walks. Because she got to know many of the members on a personal basis, she would send them birthday cards, enquire after their health, and remind them of organised events if she thought they might have forgotten.

In July 2017 The Friends of The University became a Charitable organisation, emphasising its independence from, but dedicated support of, the University. Brenda agreed to become its Membership Secretary, utilising her personal and empathetic skills in recruiting, maintaining contact with and supporting members. In addition, Brenda has been a member and, from 2018 Chair, of the University of Reading Women's Club. The aim of the Club is to provide a social environment for women who are associated with the University through their own or a partner's involvement, or who has an interest in the University and its activities. It provides meetings, talks, walks and visits and there are also special interest sub groups, one of which welcomes wives of academics visiting the University from overseas. As Chair, Brenda takes responsibility for booking rooms, arranging speakers, organising social occasions like summer and Christmas parties and setting up and running regular Committee meetings - most of the latter she hosts in her home.

Brian Heathcote

See Brian’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Brian Richards

Prof Brian Richards has been volunteering with the Archive team for over five years. Brian has volunteered 800 hours since recording began on our platform in 2020.

He worked on The MERL Evacuee Memoirs Project, summarising the testimony of second world war UK evacuees to enable researchers to more easily retrieve their areas of interest. He went on to work on transcribing the written correspondence the Hogarth Press. They were uploaded onto the web pages of Modernist Archives Publishing Project to enable researchers to better understand those who published modernist books.

Brian has worked on many archive collections over the years, stock-checking, repackaging and cataloguing material from the Special Collections including archives relating to the three Pullein-Thompson sisters, authors of children's books and the artist and educator Nan Youngman. Brian becomes fascinated by which ever collection he works on and will read up on the related person or subject. Brian has also undertaken 'volunteer homework', with his wife Mair, transcribing foreign language material from the archives. Brian is a joy to work with and will undertake any task asked of him, his enthusiasm and interest in our collections make our catch ups over a cuppa a real pleasure.

Brian has been part of a team listing posters from the University History Collection that have now been digitised and will be available on the Museums & Collections Virtual Reading Room, (vrr.reading.ac.uk). He also writes amazing blogs about documents or people that he discovers during his work on the Archive and Art collections and highlights the history of the University Brian Richards - Tales from the Archives.

Brian's unassuming manner means he is delightful company and an inspiring volunteer. His passion for unearthing images, facts and figures to help researchers and colleagues is deeply appreciated.

Catriona Cook

See Catriona’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Charlotte Smith

See Charlotte’s full nomination in the Student Volunteer of the Year award category.

Congxia Li

See Congxia’s full nomination in the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Volunteer of the Year award category.

Cyril Parsons

"For much of my adult life I have been a volunteer including long periods with the following three organisations.

Scouting - Between 1953 and 1961 I was an assistant leader and later the leader of a Cub Pack in Epsom. Among my achievements was leading with other adults a week-long camp (in tents) for ten of the older Cubs (8- to 11-year-olds). I organised the hire of and transport to the site and delivering a full activity programme.

From 1979 to 1991 I was an Assistant District Commissioner in Aylesbury, a member of a team overseeing 8 Scout Groups. I played a major role in a project aimed at providing More Scouting and Better Scouting in the district culminating in a demonstration of Scouting in the Market Square. I was responsible for publicity including writing a leaflet promoting this successful project.

Headway Aylesbury Vale - For almost 20 years from 2002 I was Treasurer of this local charity affiliated to Headway - the brain injury association. We provided care and continuing support for individuals living in the Vale of Aylesbury that have survived an acquired brain injury.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre - In 2010 I joined the Travelling Post Office (TPO) Group as a steward at this heritage railway centre. In TPO carriages letter mail was sorted while in transit by train. From the outset I used my knowledge of postal history to expand considerably the series of exhibition panels telling the story of the service that ran from 1838 to 2004. For the Centre's annual Moving the Mail Day I have delivered PowerPoint presentations focusing on different aspects of TPOs. Several heritage railways have TPO carriages, but we believe ours is the best; our knowledgeable stewards engage with visitors who have the opportunity to sort letters."

Daphne Barnes-Philips

Daphne has 67 years of volunteering experience in variety of spheres.

Volunteering connected with University of Reading (UoR):

a) 1982 Year Secretary, enabling that year's graduates to maintain contact with UoR

b) UoR Society Committee

c) Convocation

d) Yearly meeting of Court.

"I started volunteering aged 14 in 1958 as I have volunteered at each Methodist Church (MC) I have attended:

1. Whitley Hall MC, Reading

a) Sunday School for 39 years - played piano for services and taught ages 6 - 8, becoming Primary Department leader then Superintendent of the whole Sunday School (ages 3 - 15), training teachers; writing Anniversary dramas & services; organising reunions.

b) Church Stewarding for 12 years (1982 - 1988 & 1991 - 1997), including two 2-year periods as Senior Church Steward (senior lay position in MC)

c) From 1986, I started Whitley Hall's participation in Berkshire Historic Churches

Trust's Ride & Stride fundraising event (50% of funds raised are for individual Church and 50% provides grants for other Churches). I became organiser of RG2 area of Reading and then Berkshire organiser, which continued while at:

2. Caversham Heights MC from 1997 - 2009 (12 years)

a) Mission in Britain secretary

b) Church Steward, and:

3. Temple MC at Budleigh Salterton (2011 - present):

a) Editor of Church magazine "Temple Link" - 55 quarterly editions

b) Church Steward

c) still working with members of a rural Church to help save it from closure.

Community Publisher, Corridor Press (1999 - present)

a) Writing articles for Millennium books; being elected onto Committee then becoming Chairman, encouraging others to write and publish their own books.

b) Organising reunions to gain material for a book celebrating George Palmer School's centenary. This led to an extra smaller book and encouraging former staff, pupils and governors to sponsor copies for leavers annually for the past 21 years (2004 - present)."

Darren Staniforth

See Darren’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Esther Oenga

"I have volunteered for two organisations in Reading consistently for over twenty years in different capacities. The two organisations are:

Utulivu Women's group which empowers women and young people to integrate to the wider community. I have remained committed and dedicated regularly. Utulivu received queens award in 2011 while I was serving as a trustee chair. Utulivu celebrated 20 years since existence, and I have volunteered every single year. I chair trustee meetings quarterly on Sunday afternoon. As trustees, we plan events and ensure they are implemented. I am known for been a wonderful master of ceremony. I have mentored other individuals who now have taken over. We support the less privileged in our communities, during Covid, I volunteered to go shopping for the elderly ladies in our communities. I volunteer in applying funding for the group and I was successful in 2025 is securing £3000 as part of community engagement fund towards creating awareness on gender-based violence that is not normally talked about. Utulivu is now actively involved in the community including working with universities. I will be volunteering to raise funds by running Marathon 2026 to fundraise.

UKAAF is a Kenyan community group that started 2024. I have consistently volunteered in all those years in different capacities. I was a chair when we celebrated 20 years in 2024 in Birmingham. The groups have members spread in the UK. We meet quarterly for spiritual functions. I volunteer and organise for coaches so that people travel together. In September we travelled from Reading to Hull and back. I coordinated transport and also food. In term of food, the women in the group cook and so I have created a WhatsApp group for easy communication. Currently, I am the women's leader and wherever we meet, I have to coordinate the women to prepare food. Also, I am the treasure of the group, and unfortunately, we lost one of the members this January and as an active trustee, we coordinated the members and the body was repatriated to Kenya 28/01/2026. My life has been a life of volunteering empowering the underserved communities. My volunteering has been impactful and of great impact."

Eugene Seah Hsiu-Min

See Eugene’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Fathima Nishfa Hussain Nismy

"I would like to nominate myself for this award as, since leaving the University of Reading, I have dedicated myself to supporting both local and global humanitarian initiatives. From contributing to development efforts in rural villages in Sri Lanka to assisting with flood-relief operations, I have worked to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

My passion for humanitarian work is deeply rooted in my own upbringing. I was born in a small town in Sri Lanka, where I learned early on the value of community, resilience, and compassion. Growing up in an environment where resources were limited and support systems were vital shaped my desire to give back not only to the communities I come from, but to others facing hardship around the world.

Charity has always held a special place in my heart. Over the years, I have raised more than £5,000 for charitable causes and contributed to over three long-term projects. I have collaborated with several UK-based charities and am currently partnering with Muslim Hands in preparation for a deployment in March.

I am nominating myself because it can be difficult to acknowledge one's own hard work and commitment to meaningful causes. In the midst of ongoing projects, it is easy to overlook the effort, passion, and resilience that go into making a difference. I genuinely believe that my dedication, lived experience, and commitment to humanitarian work make me a strong candidate for this award."

Gabriela Thomas

Gabriela Thomas is a long-standing volunteer whose dedication has shaped the Czech & Slovak community in Berkshire for over a decade. After moving to the UK from the Czech Republic in 2005, she became committed to ensuring her children - and others - could grow up bilingual and connected to their cultural roots. This led her to co found the Czech School Berkshire (CSB) in 2015, a charity she helped build from the ground up.

Gabi invested countless hours into turning the school from an idea into a thriving organisation: securing funding, finding premises, establishing safeguarding processes, managing finances, coordinating volunteers, and developing the curriculum. Under her leadership, the school has grown to five classes, gained charity status, expanded its library, and secured annual grants of £1,000-£10,000. She also organises major community events, including the St Nicholas celebration, which now welcomes around 350 attendees each year.

After receiving the University's Volunteer of the Year (Staff) Award in 2024, Gabi extended her volunteering into the arts. On 19 May 2024, she joined four other mums and a professional theatre director to create a Czech theatre group called Theatre Prima, running under CSB. Their first play will premiere on 7 February 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of CSB teaching, with hopes of developing an English version in the future to reach wider audiences.

Throughout all of this, Gabi continues to support the Czech school and the wider community with the same commitment and passion she has shown from the beginning. Her long-term service has strengthened cultural identity, community cohesion, and opportunities for Czech and Slovak families across Berkshire and the surrounding counties of Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey.

Graeme Lindsell

Graeme has been volunteering with our Conservator Fred van der Geer for over 15 years. He is a very dedicated and reliable volunteer, attending most Fridays for the whole day.

In his time with us, Graeme has supported the cataloguing of the collection by photographing over 50,000 objects.

For example, in a recent project, Graeme took over 12,000 photographs of objects in our Peter Wade-Martins Collection of Farm Toys. This collection of farm vehicles and implements was assembled over 20 years, and thanks to Graeme's efforts, they can be searched on our online catalogue by researchers from around the world. The collection represents a wide range of farming methods at small scale which we would otherwise not be able to accommodate in the building and is popular with visitors of all ages.

Graeme is also supporting the relabelling project, which consists of auditing the locations and descriptions of up to 30,000 objects, improving the consistency of labelling. This enables visitors and researchers to better understand our collection and the context of the items. Graeme has volunteered over 1,000 hours since recording began on our platform in 2020, so we estimate his overall contribution to equate to 3,000 hours.

Howard Morgan 

"Graduated 1959 and have been a committed volunteer since then Elected Swansea Councillor from 1970/200 serving as member or Chairman of many committees and was Lord Mayor of the City 1988/89 Made a life Alderman in 2005 Open University BA 1984

1974 Member of Swansea University Court and remains a Life member.

1983 a member of the University Council for 39 years and still a lay Trustee of the Student's Union

Hon D.Litt from Swansea Uni 2018

1975 appointed as a Swansea Bench Magistrate, Ch of Whole Bench 2004 retiring 2008. Was the Ch of West Glam Probation Committee and the West Glam Magistrates Association.

Served from 1994/2004 on South Wales Police Authority

1971 became a General Commissioner of the Inland Revenue to 1998

Was a member o the Welsh Art's Council, it's Art Committee and served 2 terms on the Advisory Cttee of the Wales Independent Broadcasting Authority.

Chaired the Swansea Festival of Music and was founder member and Chairman/President of the Gower Festival of Music,50 years old this year.

Additionally, I have served on Local organisations such as NSPcc West Glam Young Farmer's Clubs, Gower Commoner's Association and the Gower Agricultural Society. The latter as Ch, President and now Trustee.

In addition, I have carried on with my business life being the 4th generation on the same farm."

Ian Burn

See Ian’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter’s Volunteer of the Year award category. Ian’s nomination is part of a joint nomination with John Grainger and Terry Dixon.

Jan Butler

The word stalwart was invented for someone like Jan Butler. Jan began volunteering at The MERL 23 years ago, and all colleagues hold her in very high esteem.

Jan's late husband of 57 years, Ron, was the very first volunteer at the MERL. Jan later joined the team and has since had the most positive impact on everyone she has worked with, both in terms of her work ethic and on a personal level. She has interacted with most teams over the years and has been an inspiration to everyone in Museums & Collections.

One of Jan's roles has been assisting the Archive Team in repackaging collections to preserve them for the future and to allow us to share these materials with our community. She has cleaned, repackaged and digitised slides and helped to process hundreds of boxes of archive materials. Her meticulous eye for detail and dexterous crafting skills are invaluable as she removes staples, sews up pamphlets and ties up folders. She continues to donate her time week in, week out and gets here whatever the weather.

Jan's knitted contributions to the MERL galleries are legendary. Her creativity as a Mewes Knitter is outstanding. She knitted the famous jumper for the model sheep in our galleries, highly popular with visitors. The sheep she knits sell like hot cakes in our giftshop and have gone all round the world, including being purchased by celebrity visitors. Jan's skills are in demand for a wide range of items, and she always responds to a challenge, large or small, with relish. Her imaginative creations range from farm animals, knitted books for our youngest visitors, and detailed images, enhancing exhibitions.

In recent years Jan's donated 833 hours, and we estimate she has donated at least 4,000 hours over 23 years.

Jane Skeats

See Jane’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Jean Hartley

See Jean’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category

Jenny Knight

Jenny has worked on Penguin Random House archive material since 2021.

In recent years, Jenny has transcribed indexes of correspondents in the Chatto & Windus outgoing letter books for the early 1900s. Jenny's work is uploaded to the public catalogue which means that users of the Special Collections Reading Room can call up the books which are relevant to their research. Without this detailed cataloguing work, the books could not be made available. Jenny and her fellow volunteer have typed up the indexes of 90 letter books, which Is approximately 72,000 names and page numbers. Thanks to Jenny, thousands of names have been added to the catalogue, enhancing the study of publishing history.

Jenny pours painstakingly over the handwritten names, researching further any illegible entries. Her close attention to detail and research skills makes her a perfect volunteer for Special Collections. Jenny comes in every week and has a real love of history. She is passionate about the archive, always finding material of interest. Jenny does her own research and gives talks to the local community about the research on the history of the university.

Jenny is fun to work with. She is always sharing interesting letters she has found and her determination to continue this long-term project is inspiring. Jenny donates at least 100 hours a year, so this year will likely see her completing 1,500 hours.

Jeremy Jones

Jeremy Jones has been volunteering with the Archive Team since 2010, including regularly "volunteering from home" during Covid. Jeremy has focused on the retroconversion of hardcopy catalogues, producing spreadsheets that can be imported into the collections management database. Jeremy has converted tens of thousands of records during the last 16 years, happily tackling even the driest data and maintaining his commitment on very long projects. For example, converting data from over 18,000 photographic index cards into a spreadsheet during the last 4 years. The overall progress made in cataloguing our collections is a key reporting consideration in our Accreditation with the National Archives and our funding from Research England. In our latest return we were able to show almost 10,000 new archive catalogue records being added every year.

Jeremy's interest in the archive collections, the history of Reading and the University is shown by his passion for research often undertaken outside his 'official' volunteering time. Jeremy was the natural choice to be involved in a project using Flickr to commemorate members of the University who died in WWI. Putting the information out on Flickr led to family members of those who died coming forward and sharing their stories. In November 2015 Jeremy gave a public talk about his work on the project and contributed to the War and Memory exhibition.

Jeremy has continued to make discoveries in the archive relating to students, staff and their war work, sharing them with us so that we were able to pass them to the Press Office etc. This is now a major feature of the Centenary celebrations - with the new plaque for the War Memorial in production and due to be unveiled on 11 November 2026. None of it would have been possible without Jeremy's enthusiasm and his diligence.

John Brazier

See John Brazier’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

John Grainger

See John Grainger’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category. John’s nomination is part of a joint nomination with Ian Burn and Terry Dixon.

Karl Daniel Klee

Since 2017, I am mentor with THRIVE MENTORING; University of Reading's flagship mentoring program and had the honour to serve successfully post- and undergraduate students from around the world, such as Japan, Mongolia, USA, UK, Pakistan and Zambia.

Keith Sanderson

Agriculture in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe has benefitted from Reading University alumni recruited over the years. After my arrival in Rhodesia in 1964, we organised an informal and thriving Reading Alumni group, called 'Reading Reunion'. The group was 20-25 alumni strong and operated for some fifteen years before Zimbabwe politics forced many of us to seek pastures new. The camaraderie within the group was enormous, our special bond being created by our experiences and the culture of the Reading campus. I was jointly responsible for the group and arranging functions around the country.

Moving to South Africa in 1982, I detected through my agricultural and rural development work that significant numbers of Reading alumni resided in the five southern African countries - South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland. With some communication difficulty, I identified and catalogued their details and, by 2005, had listed some 300 alumni.

I wrote and distributed a series of alumni newsletters for several years, including the need for support of the University's website and Alumni services.

On campus in 2006, my discussions with Trish O'Neill and Marion Armson focussed on the essential ingredients of an effective alumni organisation and the important role of the international Overseas Secretaries. I hopefully contributed positively to the changes and improvements that have now become the Alumni and Supporter Engagement Office. "I continued as unofficial Overseas Secretary for the five southern African countries for some seven years.

In 2018, I created and now manage a WhatsApp Group which we appropriately named 'Reading in Rhodesia', with its own icon. This has enabled a small group of older alumni to be still in communication around the world after 60 years. In summary, I have provided voluntary alumnus communication and services in various ways to the five countries of southern Africa for a period of some 60 years.

Kiera Cox

See Keira Cox’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Keira Smith 

See Keira Smith’s full nomination in the Student Volunteer of the Year award category.

Kevin Gannaway

See Kevin’s full nomination in Reading Students’ Union Activist of the Year award category.

Matthew Bugg

I have been a Police Support Volunteer since 2010, firstly with Thames Valley Police (TVP) and more recently with Hertfordshire Constabulary. I initially spent seven years as a front counter volunteer which enabled a community police station to be open for public enquiries an additional evening every week. I also volunteered behind the scenes to assist with the policing of the London 2012 rowing events at Eton Dorney.

Since 2017 my role has been as a Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Leader, firstly within Bracknell & Wokingham, followed by Aylesbury (both with TVP) and more recently with the Dacorum unit of Hertfordshire's VPC.

As a cadet leader you are facilitating and guiding 13-18-year-olds as they explore both policing and volunteering in the community. One of the aims of the VPC is to build links between young people, the police and the wider community. The leader role includes helping the cadet's participation in community events and in suitable policing operations. I have seen the impact that being a cadet has on young people. Seeing their confidence grow over time and them wanting to do things that have a positive impact on their communities and take on roles supporting other community leaders such as the High Sheriff.

As a leader I have assisted in managing the cadets participating in events such as the Wokingham Winter Carnival and other charity events. Recently as a leader I have been involved in operations with the cadets to help prevent vehicle crime and help prevent the sale of alcohol to under 18's (via test purchases). For one evening session we took 12 cadets out and they checked over 150 cars in residential areas. 28 were found to be insecure and the owners were notified, potentially saving them from being victims of crime.

Maureen Paddick

Maureen welcomes visitors to The MERL (The Museum of English Rural Life) week-in, week-out - in fact, for much of the year she volunteers twice a week. Since she joined us in 2020, Maureen has contributed an amazing 1,000 hours. Maureen's warm and friendly words and smile greet all who visit the shop, cafe, garden and galleries. She is focused on the visitor and their needs, ensuring they are aware of family trail resources, or the current exhibitions, and taking the time to hear why they chose to visit. Maureen joined the volunteering team as we reopened the museum after the first lockdown, and her reassuring presence put returning visitors at their ease in those uncertain times. Maureen was soon invited to act as a buddy for our supported volunteer scheme - she was matched to a person new to volunteering, who wanted to improve their spoken English by shadowing the visitor welcome role.Maureen's calm and encouraging manner was a perfect match, and in due course the volunteer progressed to volunteer independently.

Maureen enhances the visitor welcome here at the MERL. She will turn her hand to any task, from removing fingerprints on display cases; taking a turn to put the crockery through the dishwasher, to doggedly tracking down further information relating to visitors' queries about collection items. Maureen is a very humble person who does not seek the limelight. We want to recognise her dedication to the University by highlighting just how much she is appreciated.

Michael Dornan

See Michael’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Nigel Frankland

Nigel has been a volunteer coach at Reading Canoe Club for the last 25 years, starting in 1987. Nigel is known by many in the canoe club as "the paddle wizard", generously giving up his spare time to offer multiple training sessions each week for groups of all ages. In 2024, Nigel was nominated for Coach of the Year at Reading Sports Awards. In his nomination, Nigel is described as "always willing to share his experience and expertise and does so in such an encouraging and supportive manner, he really knows how to bring the best out of people. He's also an incredible paddler himself and often pairs with other inexperienced paddlers that need some support, to give them confidence and help them grow. Genuinely a wonderful human being and an incredible coach who absolutely deserves some external recognition."

Paul Aplin

See Paul Aplin’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Paul Harris

See Paul Harris’ full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Peter McShane

Peter has been volunteering with The MERL Library team for 15 years. Peter compiles the Rural History Bibliography, which is published annually. The bibliography includes thousands of references to published material on agricultural and rural history, alongside countryside affairs. This is an invaluable resource which surveys contemporary rural scholarship. Peter uses The MERL Library resources to compile this list. We are delighted to be able to offer this research resource to the public. Peter was a previous MAFF and MERL Librarian with Museums & Collections. Peter has volunteered 675 hours since recording began on our platform in 2020, so this year will likely see him completing 1,500 hours.

Philip Cook

"I am an outgoing, engaging, encouraging, mediator-type person and very happy to 'get my hands dirty.' The reason: To achieve success in motivating, “entertaining” and creating an environment where others reap enjoyment and happiness. Sometimes this exudes in simple conversations walking along the pavement, in a shop or at a bus stop - putting a smile on someone's face.

In the past year I have been leading 2 groups within the local University of the Third Age (U3A) - Town Study and Members' Meetings. My role is to lead 'from the front' or to find speakers, researchers and to co-ordinate the meeting which may be in the 'field' involving organising a coach visit (Lewes, Petersfield, Midhurst and Corsham in the past year) or a public venue (Abbey Baptist church). Attendance for Town Study & Members' Meetings plus outings can reach 50 people and I have served as leader/joint leader for these groups for over ten years.

I have also been on the Committee of the Berkshire Environmental Association for over ten years, leading several events each year (e.g. guided tour of Winchester) & including hosting an annual home-made cream tea for members in my garden. I have been a member of a west Reading (Christian) Church of England church for 28+ years and have led the Fellowship group for 15 years; assisted with Sunday worship readings, prayers and welcoming (over 25 years); provided organisation and running of the Lent Lunches for charity; lead/arrange the monthly 'Open Group' with outside speakers for 8 years (& act as Treasurer); 'Coffee Mondays' drop-in, once a month; and assist with fundraising events.

I have been Treasurer for the Berkshire Gay Link organisation for 23 years and organise/host the twice monthly events, including hosting (and catering) for 'significant' birthday meals, the AGM buffet and firework night with traditional homecooked food. To be more explicit on the second paragraph listing my credentials...I see myself as an organiser/ facilitator with a reputation of being reliable, hard-working, good timekeeping, excellent working relationships and endeavouring to include, encourage and steer to fruition those who may feel rejected, shy or burdened with life. I hate tension and will do all in my power to diffuse, mediate and resolve by encouraging forgiveness, reconciliation and positive/optimistic outlook (probably stemming from my “glass half full” mentality). My modest 1898 terraced home has a reputation for hosting events for up to 20 people and often with friends who are in need of care or respite. I live life to the full but, like others who volunteer, will always find time to take on extra tasks with both gusto and enjoyment of fulfilling a need together with the reward of happy faces."

Roger Sharland

See Roger’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah has been involved with Girl Guiding for over 30 years. As a student, she helped to run a local Brownie Unit and then once she graduated, she moved to a Guide unit. She has been involved with this unit ever since and has also set up a ranger unit for the older age group (age 14 to 18). She currently is Joint District Commissioner and mentors leaders through their leadership training programme. During her time as a leader, she has taken guides and rangers on many camps including taking rangers to California and the Isles of Scilly and guides to Brownsea Island.

She has also taken part in a leader's service trip to Kenya; volunteering in under privileged schools; using her teaching skills to support teachers in the classroom and working with other leaders to teach the students guiding skills including first aid, singing, navigation and pioneering. More locally she helped plan and organise the district camp last year where we took just under 100 young members away.

Sarah Pervaiz

See Sarah Pervaiz’s full nomination in the Student Volunteer of the Year award category.

See Lian Ong 

See See Lian Ong’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Stephanie Mitchell 

See Stéphanie’s full nomination in the Staff Volunteer of the Year award category.

Stephen Rawsthorne

See Stephen's full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category.

Susan (Sue) Murdoch

Sue Murdoch has volunteered as a helper with the Newcomers Group since 1992, and as lead helper since 2014. As the longest serving of many helpers who have supported the University's community through the group, her individual contribution of dedicated commitment, personal warmth, understanding and concern for others has been modest in approach, immense in its generous influence.

'Newcomers' is a place where partners and children of international - and local - staff and students are welcomed, make friendships, and are helped to feel 'at home' as they meet over tea, coffee, and biscuits (scones with jam and cream, even, for special occasions!). Their experience is enriched by the shared opportunities to practice English, to ask questions about life in the UK, to learn about places, customs and celebrations, to talk about their home countries, for children to play together. The family benefits extend to the students themselves, contributing to their academic success.

The group meets weekly in the Chaplaincy Centre, though the pandemic saw it transfer 'in person', and in all weathers, to the outdoor café space at the MERL, and on Zoom via Sue's laptop for members joining remotely. Through the WhatsApp group Sue sends a weekly invitation to local members and keeps Newcomers in touch once they have returned home across the globe.

As Sue said, in her 2021 address to the celebratory gathering that marked Newcomers' 50th anniversary: 'Over the last fifty years, the Newcomers' helpers, past and present, have been privileged to give help and support, forge friendships, explain the intricacies of British customs and institutions, sympathise with the vagaries of the British weather and extol the richness of the English language, despite its perplexing spelling.' Greetings and congratulations were received at that time from former Newcomers worldwide who gratefully recalled their 'home from home'.

Terry Dixon

See Terry’s full nomination in the Alumni & Supporter Volunteer of the Year award category. Terry’s nomination is part of a joint nomination with Ian Burn and John Grainger.

Youngs Nyirenda

See Youngs' full nomination in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volunteer of the Year award category.

Nominees

• Alexander Baker
• Anthony Keeble
• Anya Visegorodceva
• Ashley Rochester
• Bethan Bourne
• Emily Dewell
• Helen Williams
• Hilton Koopman
• Jane Skeats
• John Brazier
• Kiera Cox
• Maria Vahdati
• Mohammed Baig
• Paul Aplin
• Pete Castle
• Scott O'Brien
• Yousef Mahdi

Alexander Baker

I am nominating Alexander Baker for the Celebration of Volunteering Award (and the Centenary Long Service Award) in recognition of his continuous volunteering with Wokingham Libraries since 2014 and the outstanding impact of his leadership on young people in our community.

For over a decade (2014-present), Alex has volunteered as the Igniting Writing Teen Writing Group leader at Wokingham Library, creating a welcoming, structured space where 11-18-year-olds can develop their writing, confidence, and friendships. Week after week, he goes far beyond what is expected: he plans and delivers engaging workshops, supports beginners and experienced writers alike, and consistently keeps the group accessible and motivating. His sessions build core creative skills - from character and setting to plotting and imaginative world-building - while nurturing a strong sense of belonging.

Alex also strengthens the library's wider community reach by actively promoting the group, maintaining communication channels, and creating opportunities such as special events and extended workshops. This sustained commitment - even through the pandemic when Alex set up the writing group online - has helped raise the profile of teen provision in the library and contribute to increased engagement from young people. His contribution has been publicly recognised, including a Mayor's Honour Award for his volunteering with Wokingham's library service, and local spotlight features celebrating him as a community "hero".

Beyond this, Alex has a long-standing record of giving his skills freely, such as producing promotional materials for Age UK Oxfordshire, which they credit with exceeding expectations and improving awareness.

Alex exemplifies long-term, high-impact volunteering: he doesn't just support an existing service - he created one, sustained it for a decade, and continues to invest time, care, and leadership well beyond what is expected.

Anthony Keeble

For over 20 years, Anthony has been the backbone of the University's graduation ceremonies, voluntarily dedicating himself as one of our Student Processions Directors to ensure thousands of students experience one of the most important days of their lives with seamless support. He has supported 15+ graduation ceremonies each year, resulting in over two decades personally supporting the graduation of over 60,000 students - a remarkable testament to his long-term volunteer commitment.

Anthony leads teams of staff volunteers to organise their student groups, instilling a strict process to mitigate potential errors on stage. He provides essential emotional support to the more nervous graduands, collaborates with the Events & Graduation Offices to solve graduand-specific extenuating circumstances and builds collective graduand excitement for their big moment.

His ability to go above and beyond was demonstrated when an administrative error resulted in excessive tickets being distributed for a ceremony. Anthony worked calmly with us to coordinate extra chairs, managed the increased complexity of processions and kept fellow colleagues and graduates calm. His leadership supported turning a potential disaster into a smoothly run ceremony.

Anthony has trained and mentored dozens of other staff volunteers, passing on his expertise and ensuring excellence in graduation support. He is always willing to step into the support role on the day, allowing others to lead as Student Processions Director but still providing the essential student processions support required for the ceremonies.

What makes Anthony truly exceptional is that his graduation volunteering is not the extent of his voluntary support of university activities. He is an active volunteer, offering his time to many other ad-hoc events and activities over his years at the university. Anthony embodies the Centenary Award spirit - demonstrating outstanding, impactful volunteering sustained over many years, touching thousands of lives and creating lasting positive memories.

Anya Visegorodceva

Anya is a dedicated and diligent part of the local community and has set up multiple initiatives to foster connections. She does it selflessly, always supporting, and gives so much time and effort to those around her. She wants to ensure that everyone is included, and is thoughtful about details like finances and affordability, to make sure it is as open to all as possible. All her work is done with the idea of celebrating people, cultures and communities, which is so important for all those involved in them.

SheChoir is an international network of choirs covering the UK, Germany, Austria and New Zealand. The choir welcomes all women (whether cisgender or trans), non-binary and gender queer people and actively strives to offer a welcoming, safe space for anyone with these identities who wants to sing. Anya started She+Choir in Reading in October 2024, having moved from Manchester where she was a member of the choir. She reached out to local community spaces and found a home for choir at The Rising Sun Arts Centre, promoting it in local Facebook groups and university mailing lists. Since then people have continued joining, and the choir has truly become a community where people can be themselves and sing in a supportive environment. She+Choir has performed at the Wantage Hall for May Day celebrations and took part in the tribute night series at The Rising Sun Centre.

Anya started Cookbook Club in 2018, as an opportunity to get cooking through her cookbook collection, break bread with strangers and create a community. Since 2018, Cookbook Club has moved from Colchester to Manchester to Winnersh and has now found its home in West Reading. Cookbook Club is a monthly meet-up, hosted at a local library where people come together to share food they have prepared and to make friends. Every month, members work through one cookbook and choose a dish or dishes to bring along. Cookbook Club is completely free to join and everyone is welcome. Anya organises the space bookings, the marketing of upcoming events, puts together menus from chosen cookbooks and liaises with the regulars to make sure everyone feels welcome and knows what's happening.

Ashley Rochester

I am nominating Ash for both the Staff Volunteer of the Year Award and the Centenary Award for Long Service to Volunteering in recognition of his exceptional, sustained, and high-impact voluntary contribution to the University of Reading community. By the January 2026 nomination deadline, Ash will have completed five full years of uninterrupted volunteering, having started in February 2021.

For this entire period, Ash has been a core volunteer within the Reading University Gardening Society (formerly Student Eats). He undertakes the most physically demanding and essential work required to keep the University allotment operational. This includes year-round ground maintenance, digging, construction and repair work, relocation of heavy materials, preparation of growing areas, and ongoing site safety in all weather conditions. These tasks are fundamental to the survival of the project and are carried out consistently and without supervision.

Alongside this, Ash provides direct, hands-on support to students, particularly those with no prior gardening experience. He demonstrates techniques, advises on safe tool use, and works alongside students to build confidence and practical skills. As a result, the allotment functions not only as a growing space but as a stable, inclusive environment that supports student wellbeing, sustainability learning, and community connection across successive cohorts.

Ash goes above and beyond through exceptional reliability and physical commitment. He volunteers multiple times each week, including outside term time, with no expectation of recognition. Reaching five consecutive years of service by the centenary year, his contribution represents precisely the sustained dedication and cumulative impact that these awards are intended to recognise.

Bethan Bourne

As someone with lived experience, I am a long-standing advocate for people with chronic health conditions. Since 2022, I am a patient partner in the development of an online course for people with chronic conditions, ensuring it is inclusive, supportive, and shaped by user needs. I have had two chapters published in a book about living with fibromyalgia, written articles for Versus Arthritis, fundraised nearly £500 through a walking challenge for Versus Arthritis, and since June 2024 volunteer with Fibromyalgia Action UK, contributing book reviews, website updates, and articles. I have also supported the Staff Disability+ Network by speaking about my lived experience in an online session and previously leading the Chronic Illness Community Channel.

Since summer 2024, I have served as a Staff Forum representative, volunteering to support colleagues by listening to concerns, advocating for improvements, and working with HR to enhance staff experience. I am currently leading a project to improve awareness and equality of benefits for all staff, through clearer webpages and resources, making information more accessible. Alongside this, in my paid role managing the RED Awards, I actively promote and encourage students to engage in a wide range of volunteering opportunities, helping to foster a culture of service across the University.

From 2018 to 2022, I volunteered with Merlin's Magic Wand at Legoland Windsor, supporting fundraising, events, and hospital and SEN school visits. One particularly meaningful experience involved bringing comfort and joy to a terminally ill child through a character visit shortly before his passing. Since March 2024, I have volunteered at Reading Museum as a tour sweep, supporting public tours and income generation.

I consistently go above and beyond to support others, improve experiences, and inspire engagement. This nomination reflects my long-term commitment, leadership, and sustained impact as a volunteer, especially with my work to support others with chronic health conditions.

Emily Dewell

Emily has a very big heart and fundraises for many charities on an annual basis. She regularly hosts our departmental Macmillan Coffee Mornings for Student Services (three years running), making delicious bakes and bringing us together for important purposes and discussing our shared experiences with cancer. In total this year she has raised over £260 for Macmillan, and raised £425 for Prostate Cancer UK by taking part in their Thames Moonlight Walk, whilst also finding time to volunteer for the National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire - supporting their shoebox appeal for animals in need this past Christmas by coordinating donors and drop offs. She truly is a caring and kind individual, always keen to support causes close to her heart.

Helen Williams

I nominate Helen Williams for recognition at the Celebration of Volunteering. As a dedicated Trustee of Dingley's Promise, Helen brings exceptional commitment, insight, and energy to the charity.

As the charity says: "Helen continues to be an integral part of the trustee board at Dingley's Promise, giving her valuable time to advise the organisation using her vast skills and experience in education and HR. Helen consistently supports fundraising and engagement events and is always looking for ways to gain wider support for the charity. We are extremely grateful to have Helen's support to our charity and thank her for her valuable contribution."

Helen's strategic leadership was also instrumental in enabling a major community-funded nutrition project across the Reading and Wokingham centres. With funding secured from the University of Reading's Community Engagement Fund, the project delivered face-to-face and online sessions supporting families of children with SEND to make healthier food choices - an area often made challenging by sensory and dietary needs.

Through partnerships with Professor Kate Harvey and colleagues, the project introduced creative food exploration activities in nursery sessions, helping children build confidence around new foods through sensory, playful experiences. A dedicated food-play scheme and tailored family support further strengthened children's positive relationships with food. Free healthy snacks and fresh produce were also made available for families each week.

Helen's advocacy, guidance, and commitment ensured this project could be delivered with impact, helping transform food experiences for many families. She embodies the true spirit of volunteering: dedicated, compassionate, and deeply committed to widening access and improving outcomes for children. Outside of this work, Helen also serves as a magistrate and has done so for a number of years.

Hilton Koopman

Hilton has demonstrated exceptional dedication by volunteering at every key strategic event across the event calendar year. He consistently goes above and beyond, offering his time after completing a full working day (starting his volunteering at 2pm) and always staying longer than expected of our staff volunteers, as he is passionate about the impact of our events and contributing to their success.

What truly sets Hilton apart is his proactive approach to volunteering. He actively engages in training processes and provides invaluable feedback in areas that event teams cannot always focus on, directly enabling crucial improvements to future event delivery. At Community Festival, he spent the day in the sports activities area tackling challenging wayfinding across perceived separated festival zones, all whilst engaging with guests and encouraging participation in activities. During both summer and winter graduation ceremonies, he supported the school receptions entrance, which is a key role in encouraging attendance and welcoming graduates and their families, helping to establish and strengthen alumni engagement opportunities for the future.

Hilton volunteers for every event, big or small, never complaining about his assigned role. He serves as a leading example for staff volunteers, demonstrating how individual commitment directly supports the University's strategic aims. His consistent reliability, positive attitude and genuine dedication make us truly grateful for him.

Jane Skeats

Jane is always ready to give her time to volunteer for a multitude of organisations and bodies, and she goes above and beyond to give her time freely to benefit individuals, local and national schemes. Jane has been volunteering for many years of her life and it is one of her core values to help others. Her volunteering started in her childhood and she has continued throughout her life.

Jane has continued to volunteer on a very regular basis, giving her time freely to help a wide variety of charities and events. She has also given her time to volunteer at national and international events, including being a "Games Maker" at the Olympics and part of the "Collective" at the Commonwealth Games, to name a few. Jane enjoys volunteering at the University and has volunteered at Graduation and various other events, which has allowed her to interact with members of the local community and potential new students and help showcase the fabulous things we do here.

In more recent years her volunteering has increased locally as part of the Reading Erlegh Rotary Club, including being a marshal at the Reading Half Marathon and acting as a cheerleader for Camp Mohawk, to name but a few. Jane appears to go above and beyond and is always considering what her next volunteering opportunity might be, bearing in mind she has her own family demands to manage alongside this.

John Brazier

For over 10 years I have volunteered to improve the lives of children within my local community. As a school governor at Marnel Infants School in Basingstoke for 9 years, I supported the school to provide outstanding education, achieving outcomes in the top 10% of the country, to over 1,000 children. Over a third of these children come from a deprived background and we ensured that they have the best possible start to improve not only their own, but their family's lives. As Chair of Governors, I oversaw the foundations that would be recognised by the "Outstanding" rating given at the most recent Ofsted. As a scientist, I arranged and delivered an annual science day at the school, to inspire these young children to not only pursue a career in science, but to pursue this at University - something that some of them would never have thought possible.

I have since moved to become Chair of Governors at Everest Community Academy in Basingstoke, and am working with this secondary school to take our recent "Good" Ofsted rating and build a school that supports pupils from all backgrounds to have high expectations and ambitions for themselves and go on to do great things. My proudest moment was when I delivered science outreach at this school and the pupils remembered the experiences I gave them when they were at the infants school. This demonstrated to me that the support we give our youngest members of the community can stay with them and help them to flourish in a demanding world.

Katie Sampeck

Katie has shown outstanding dedication to supporting Reading's most vulnerable residents through her volunteer work with FAITH Christian Group. Volunteering two afternoons a week at the Soup Run and Churches in Reading Drop-In Centre (CIRDIC), Katie provides not only food but dignity, respect, and hope to those in need. She engages with guests, helping them connect to vital resources and creating a welcoming environment that fosters trust and care.

Katie's commitment has been instrumental in inspiring a major University initiative: from January to March 2026, the University of Reading will provide hot meals for the local night shelter's Bed for a Night programme. This project will deliver nutritious, freshly prepared meals to 40 guests each Monday for eight weeks, ensuring those experiencing homelessness have access to healthy food and a warm, safe environment.

In addition, the initiative includes repurposing essential catering supplies for the Soup Run and providing laptops and serving wares to CIRDIC. These laptops will double CIRDIC's capacity to help guests register for housing, employment, and other vital services, significantly improving access to information and opportunities.

The benefits of this project are far-reaching - improved diet and wellbeing for guests, enhanced digital access for those seeking support, reduced pressure on local charities, and stronger ties between the University and the Reading community. It also showcases the University's best practice in catering and sustainability, while creating opportunities for staff and students to engage in meaningful community service.

Katie's volunteer work has not only made a direct difference to individuals but has catalysed broader institutional support for food security and social inclusion. Her efforts exemplify the University's values of engagement and social responsibility, making her a truly deserving candidate for Staff Volunteer of the Year.

Kiera Cox

For the past 13 years, I have volunteered with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Reading School as a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer, taking over the running of their RAF section in 2015. The CCF is an MOD sponsored uniformed youth organisation focusing on the development of leadership skills, confidence and communication skills in young people, while fostering an interest in the Armed Forces and providing opportunities such as flying, gliding, and UK and overseas camps among many others. The unit has a typical strength of 250-300 cadets from Reading and Kendrick Schools, and as such, my volunteering has facilitated the cadet experiences of well over 1,000 cadets. I have run and facilitated several activities such as weekly training sessions (after school on Thursdays) and weekend activities such as leadership training, field training exercises, weapons handling, shooting, competitions and many more.

Some specific examples of activities and achievements include assisting on overseas camps in Cyprus and Gibraltar, running annual UK cadet camps at various RAF and Army bases, facilitating cadets' selection for and attendance on national Air Cadet Leadership Courses and the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, coaching and facilitating my cadets to success in the Royal Air Squadron Trophy competition against other local and national CCF units - reaching Nationals for the first time in 2024 (3rd Place in Regional competition) and winning the Cyber element of the National competition in 2025 following an overall 1st place at Regionals, enabling activities at other local schools such as RGS High Wycombe and The Vyne, attendance at the national RAF Air Cadet camp supporting the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford five years running, and receiving the Platinum Jubilee and Coronation Medals, with eligibility for the Cadet Forces Medal in February 2026 for long service.

Maria Vahdati

Always going above and beyond to help others and always there for everyone whenever you need a helping hand.

Recently I was going through a rough time due to module changes in MSc in Project Management and Dr. Vahdati did a lot of behind the scenes work for me to make a smooth transition to MSc in Construction Management. I am ever indebted to her for taking my requests and bringing the transition to a very satisfactory conclusion.

Mohammed Baig

For the past two years, Mohammed Baig has been a dedicated volunteer with Get Online Reading, giving his Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to support residents in developing vital digital skills. His consistent commitment has made him a familiar and trusted presence at the charity's weekly sessions, where he patiently helps individuals navigate technology, access essential services, and build confidence online.

Get Online Reading exists to bridge the digital divide in the community, offering free drop-in sessions at libraries and community venues across Reading. Many residents face barriers to internet access and digital literacy, which can limit opportunities for employment, education, and social connection. Mohammed's role has been central to addressing this challenge. Week after week, he has guided participants through tasks such as setting up email accounts, applying for jobs online, and learning to use smartphones and tablets.

What makes Mohammed's contribution exceptional is not only the time he has given but the expertise he brings from his professional life. As a member of the user support team at the University, Mohammed has developed strong technical skills and a talent for explaining complex systems in simple, accessible ways. He applies these same skills in his volunteering, ensuring that learners feel supported, understood, and empowered. His ability to translate professional knowledge into community service has amplified the impact of Get Online Reading's mission.

The impact of Mohammed's work extends beyond technical skills. By helping residents connect digitally, he has reduced isolation, opened doors to opportunities, and strengthened community inclusion. His efforts embody the spirit of volunteerism: selfless service, patience, and a commitment to making life better for others. His sustained contribution to Get Online Reading has left a lasting mark on the charity and the community it serves.

Paul Aplin

Paul joined Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR) in September 1999 as a Search Technician. BLSAR is a local charity, staffed entirely by well-trained, unpaid volunteers, available 24x365 to help Thames Valley Police search for at risk and vulnerable missing people, such as dementia sufferers, despondents and children. On occasion, this has included searching for a Reading University student reported as missing to the police.

In more than 26 years, Paul has attended almost 100 callouts, taken part in more than 200 fundraising events (BLSAR relies on its own fundraising), and has given in excess of 3,000 recorded hours of voluntary service (recorded hours are typically a gross underestimate). Paul is a Search Team Leader and Advanced Casualty Carer - a paramedic qualification several steps beyond first aid at work - skills that are likely also useful in his day job in Campus Security. BLSAR's average length of service is around five years, so Paul is one of their longest serving members.

Paul is a shining example of their volunteers. A modest, unassuming, ordinary person, quietly doing an extraordinary thing for the community he serves - for more than a quarter of a century without thought of reward, other than to give others another chance in life.

Pete Castle

In January 2023, Ruth Perry, head teacher at Caversham Primary School, died by suicide following a negative rating of her school by Ofsted. Since then, her sister, University of Reading's Professor Emerita Julia Waters, has campaigned for urgent reform of Ofsted's inspection system.

Her campaign immediately attracted significant national media attention, and given Pete's experience and background, he contacted Julia on his own volition to offer his assistance in helping her manage this work. He did this not in his formal capacity as lead of the University's press function, but rather as a colleague with the skills and knowledge to personally help Julia navigate the difficult, demanding and often overwhelming world created by this intensive press coverage.

Since then, Pete has supported Julia through the process of managing a press and PR campaign. Julia has been tireless in her work, and with Pete's help has responded to countless media approaches, from The Independent, BBC, LBC, Reading Chronicle, The Standard, The Telegraph, and many others. Pete's support has continued since 2023 through to Ofsted's announcement of its newly planned grading system in September 2026.

Pete has undertaken this work alongside his own busy and demanding role without missing a beat. His willingness to step forward in such a challenging context exemplifies the best of what volunteering should be - selfless, skilled, and deeply human.

Scott O'Brien

I introduced a work placement partnership between the University of Reading and Graft Thames Valley, a charity supporting individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with autism, disabilities, or previous offending histories. This programme enables participants to gain valuable work and life experience while contributing meaningfully to our university community.

Having previously been shortlisted for this award, I have significantly expanded the programme over the past year. Twelve individuals have now completed placements within the areas my team manages - an increase of five since my last nomination. I have also extended the initiative across the university, enabling placements in the Library, Film Theatre and Television studios (FTT), MERL, and the Crops and Environment facility. Each of these areas has successfully completed at least one placement and is looking to continue this partnership with future placements planned this year.

The outcomes for participants have been transformative. Five individuals have progressed into paid employment, including one now working on campus with RSSL, and another who secured a fixed term role through Campus Jobs. One of the programme's standout successes was a participant placed in FTT who went on to deliver the opening speeches and safety announcements at all summer Graduation ceremonies in 2025 - a remarkable achievement that highlighted both their development and the value of the programme.

This work has been immensely rewarding, helping individuals build confidence, skills, and independence. It has also strengthened the university's commitment to widening participation and community engagement. In addition to this initiative, I serve as a Bishop appointed Foundation Governor at a local secondary school, where I am vice chair of the governing body - another very rewarding role where I help support and shape the development of our next generation.

Stephanie Mitchell

I am nominating Steph for two ongoing pieces of volunteer work which have a focus on equality and inclusion for young people on a local and national level. Steph's commitment to social justice for the most vulnerable children in our society is a source of constant amazement. She never stops. She is an innovator, using creative methods such as comedy and social media to raise awareness and inspire action.

As Chair of Friends of Redlands Primary School 2021-2024 and Project Officer (ongoing), Steph raised thousands of pounds through grants and online fundraising. This funded a radical overhaul of the small Victorian playground into an outdoor learning space with a dedicated early years play area, as well as new curriculum development. From 2024-2025 she led a fundraising project which brought in £20k to redevelop the school library. Steph achieved this through an online campaign which was supported by national celebrities and ran a fundraising comedy event hosted by Sara Pascoe at South Street in June 2024. The library was installed 2024-2025 with involvement from local artists, authors and independent booksellers.

Since 2025 Steph has been part of a small team spearheading a national campaign to reverse catastrophic government changes to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund - 'Action Against ASGSF Changes'. These have already significantly impacted the most vulnerable children in our society. Steph has led an online media campaign getting celebrities to post videos raising awareness, managed a mass march in Westminster and met with government ministers and other charities. She has also worked on national research demonstrating the impact of these changes on individual families.

Yousef Mahdi

For three years, Yousef Mahdi has been volunteering for Royal Berks Charity as an Events Ambassador, helping the charity with its many events.

Within both the hospital environment and the community, Yousef has offered his time at many different events, including running tombolas, raffles and games of chance. At more personal events, Yousef has helped across all of these and his communication and enthusiasm to speak with everyone passing by or stopping at the stand is very noticeable. He freely talks about the charity and passes information on to people. Yousef is a great team player, working with other staff and volunteers to ensure the outcome the charity is looking for is achieved. Principally, the charity's fundraising supports different areas in the hospital to enhance the care and welfare of patients, visitors and staff. Yousef has helped and supported the Elderly Care appeal, Acute Stroke Unit, Cardiology Care and Maternity Department.

During 2025, Yousef has volunteered at Bake Sales, various community sales - Woodley Carnival, Wokingham May Fayre, Wokingham Winter Carnival, Royal Berks Charity Walk for Wards event and as a Charity Marshall at the Reading Half Marathon, to name a few.

Always thinking of ways to assist, not only through volunteering, Yousef put Royal Berks Charity forward for support from the University's Community Fund where it was successful in getting laptops for their Lion and Dolphin Paediatric wards, showing that he is also a great ambassador for the university by helping to enhance education in the community.

As Martin Butler, Community and Events Manager at Royal Berks Charity, notes: "Yousef is a great all-rounder, flexible with his availability, with great timekeeping at all events he has helped with as part of his charitable volunteering."