Volunteer of the year winner: Linda Carter

LINDA is the ultimate volunteer. Nothing is too much; she will go above and beyond, and if she can’t help you she will know someone who can.

She has volunteered for the Independence Trust for 35 years, supporting people with complex mental health issues.

Linda, pictured with Bathurst Estate chief executive officer Peter Clegg, has also started drop-ins in rural communities, giving support for people who would not normally have the opportunity to speak to like-minded people.

She also enjoys helping the children of St Rose’s Special School with swimming.

Over the years she has fostered more than 40 children.

After Linda lost her husband to cancer three years ago she committed to supporting the Longfields Hospice, helping raise more than £20,000 by driving the support car on a Land’s End to John O’Groats fund-raising event.

Linda is described as “a magnificent volunteer who is full of life and laughter”.

Runners up: Jenny Kincks, Mark Polgrean-Smith