An outstanding volunteer from Sight for Wight, the Island’s oldest working charity, has been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations, in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service.
Ruth Hollingshead volunteers with Sight for Wight and has been recognised for her outstanding contribution and crowned a Coronation Champion. The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile, with just under 5000 entries received and Ruth has been announced as 1 of the 500 who received the commendation.
With the support of Her Majesty, The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history.
Ruth, a guide dog user, impressed judges with relentless commitment to helping others living with Sight Loss, helping her peers through their Sight Loss journey to a place where they can live safely, independently and confidently. Ruth also volunteers for Guide Dogs, the Macula Society and can often be seen around the Island giving her inspirational, but witty, talks.
When making the application, CEO of Sight for Wight Lisa Hollyhead said:
“When I joined Sight for Wight, Ruth was 1 of the first people I met and it was two days before I realised she was blind. She got on with managing reception, answering calls, replying to emails and engaging with every visitor so effortlessly, she really is an inspiration to us all.”
The judging panel recognised the impact of Ruth’s work, her inspirational story and her life-long commitment to volunteering. Ruth was nominated under the health and care category and has been invited to attend Windsor Castle Coronation Concert. She will be presented officially with her certificate, signed by Their Majesties, here on the Island at Sight for Wight’s Coronation party on 4th May.
Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Ruth said:
“I am honoured to be nominated and accept the award on behalf of all volunteers at Sight for Wight, without whom the Charity simply could not exist.”
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said:
“We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended. Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”
Congratulations Ruth! Very well deserved!