Congratulations to Rosie McIntryre winner of the Luke Gilbert Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award was introduced last year in celebration of the Trust’s legendary volunteer Luke Gilbert, who sadly passed away in August 2016. “We wanted to do something special in his memory and recognise all the fantastic volunteers that make the Trust trips possible,” said Frank Fletcher, CEO at the charity.

The Trust is extremely dependant on volunteers, whether it's helping out at fundraising events or on the trips their support is invaluable as Frank explains: “We are lucky to work with so many amazing people at the Trust, the volunteers make a huge impact on the work we are able to do, allowing us to reach even more young people in need of support after recovery from cancer.”

Nominations were invited for volunteers who demonstrate all the qualities that Luke embodied; a sense of humour, enthusiasm, compassion, a huge amount of fun and someone who goes the extra mile for the Trust. They were judged by an independent panel which included Lukes mum Julie Gilbert, Sue Morgan MBE and Trustee Dave Hobin, the nominees were:

Krissie Cartwright-Riley
Rosie McIntyre 
Wen Stone
Abbie Morton 
Jess Beedle 
Jenny Attrill
Michael McCarron
Raveen Dhillon

The winner - Rosie Mcintryre has supported over 35 trips as a medical volunteer as well as attending fundraising events such as the Great South Run. Her lovely presence and warm nature always puts the young people at ease, she takes care of everyone’s medical needs and has spent many sleepless nights caring for those that may have fallen unwell and reassuring the young people who are feeling homesick.

“She is like a warm motherly figure to not only the young people but to staff, skippers and volunteers. She is always smiling and gets fully stuck in with all aspects of the trip, she is a Trust Legend,” said Hayley Attrill – Young Person  & Hospital Liaison at the charity.

Rosie was thrilled to win the award, she said: “It’s absolutely amazing to be recognised, I did not expect it at all. This is extremely special to me as I sailed with Luke on his first trip and watched him grow in confidence and become a wonderful volunteer, I feel very honored to receive this award in his name.”

The award was presented at the annual Volunteer Training day in Glasgow, thanks to the Terrence Higgins Trust who kindly allowed the meeting to take place in their office.

The amazing work of the Trust cannot be achieved without the generous donations from the public, the amazing fundraisers and volunteers who generously give their time to help at events and on the Trips. If you would like to find out more about how you can support the Trust go to www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org and click on the ‘Get Involved’ section.

Rosie McIntryre collecting the award with last years winner Paul Gavin and Trust CEO Frank Fletcher