WINSTON’S Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK, celebrated the extraordinary dedication shown by its team of volunteers with an afternoon awards ceremony, hosted at the House of Commons in London.

On Monday, September 8, an excited ensemble of 120 Winston’s Wish staff, trustees and volunteers gathered at the Westminster venue, which was kindly organised by Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood.

People from all walks of life enjoy their volunteering experience with Winston’s Wish.

They become involved for many different reasons – to develop skills and experience towards a career, to be involved in something that feels important to them, to meet new people, or just because they want to make a difference.

Some of the volunteers at the event have been involved with the charity for over 20 years.

Awards were presented in a number of categories, including Outstanding Contribution in Supporting Families, Rising Star and Behind the Scenes.

Fiona Talwar-Lomberg, Chief Executive of Winston’s Wish, was delighted with the ceremony:

“It was a very special event and incredibly difficult to choose the winners of the awards. All of our volunteers provide invaluable skills and give up so much time to enable Winston’s Wish to support bereaved children and families. The awards ceremony was emotionally charged and it was heart-warming to gather so many of our volunteers, of all ages and from all areas, in one room. Once again, I would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful team of people who all donate their time so generously to Winston’s Wish”.

Among the many guests were Paul Winter, Chair of Trustees at Winston’s Wish, and choral girl group Celeste, who recently became celebrity ambassadors for the charity.

Winston’s Wish Young Ambassador Grace Horton, 13, was honoured to scoop one the Rising Star accolades:

“I was overwhelmed to receive the award. I’m so proud to be recognised for my volunteer work for a charity that helped me through the sad times when dad and nanny died.

Becoming a Rising Star has inspired me to continue helping other youngsters like me and to continue raising awareness of the support offered by Winston's Wish”.

Each year, Winston’s Wish supports over 30,000 bereaved children and young people through an array of dedicated services.

These in-depth support programmes include support following death as a result of accident, illness, murder, manslaughter, suicide and also through military service.

Full list of winners

Outstanding contribution – supporting families:

Andy Brereton (Chichester) and Michael Hitchcock (Brighton)

Outstanding contribution – promotion of Winston’s Wish:

Sue Major (Cheltenham)

Outstanding contribution – team support:

Lorna Blakeley and Biking 4 Ben Team (UK, France, Holland)

Outstanding contribution – charity-wide support:

Andrew Stafford (Stroud)

Outstanding contribution – behind the scenes:

Sally Napier (Cheltenham)

Outstanding contribution – fundraising:

Derek Nicholson (Cheltenham)

Rising star award:

Amelia Taylor (Forest of Dean) and Grace Horton (Poole)

Over 20 years of volunteering:

Babette James (Gloucester), Kirsten Greenhalgh (Birmingham) and Steve Edgell (Gloucester)