You may know him as a convincing and entertaining actor in many Shotley Drama Group pantos, or as church volunteer for St Mary's in Wherstead, or even a match day steward at Ipswich Town's Portman Road, but now Kevin Widdick has added the accolade of Regional Volunteer of the Year in the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Awards 2023. to his list of .achievements.

St Elizabeth Hospice staff, supporters and volunteers alike, came together to show their appreciation of volunteer Kevin after he was named Regional Volunteer of the Year in the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Awards 2023.  

Fellow volunteers and staff appreciate Kevin's selfless cntribution (Picture: St Elizabeth Hospice)

The news was announced during a virtual awards ceremony on 7 June, with the award category recognising the extraordinary contributions made by volunteers across the region in support of a number of good causes.  

Kevin, from near Wherstead, began raising funds for the hospice in 1996 and has been a volunteer for the charity since 2007, volunteering across a number of roles for the hospice including many of the hospice events, including Suffolk Remembers and Midnight Walk. 

Kevin said: "I was very surprised and honoured to be nominated for this award, so winning it exceeded my expectations and I am very grateful. There are hundreds of volunteers at St Elizabeth Hospice who are equally deserving of recognition and I am pleased to represent them. 

"My association with the hospice goes right back to the beginning, at the early fundraising and planning stage so it has always been close to my heart.  

"My volunteering started at the first Midnight Walk 16 years ago and I've been helping when I can ever since. Now that I'm retired I'm finding a few more opportunities to volunteer which I'm delighted to do. I've met lots of new friends and the support from the hospice team is great." 

Emperor among volunteers, Kevin Widdick about to take a bow (Picture: Nub News)

Kevin is one of more than 1,500 volunteers who generously give their time to support the hospice by carrying out roles in one of its many retail shops or at fundraising events, through to volunteering on the hospice inpatient unit and supporting the hospice administrative teams. 

Every year their support helps the hospice deliver specialist palliative care to more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.  

Jemma Wood, Volunteer Development Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "We are all delighted Kevin has received this brilliant recognition for his years of support to the hospice.  

"Kevin is one of those kind, generous and selfless people where nothing is too much trouble and winning this award is so well deserved." 

To learn more about volunteering opportunities at St Elizabeth Hospice email [email protected] or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/support-us/volunteer-for-us/. 

Kevin performing with Shotley Drama Group (Picture: Nub News)