Posted on 8 June 2026
In a heartwarming celebration of dedication and commitment, The League of Friends to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) honoured the contributions of their volunteers at an annual awards ceremony.
The event was held in the main entrance of RJAH on Monday 1 June, kicking off Volunteers’ Week – an annual nationwide celebration recognising the incredible impact of volunteers across the UK.
The ceremony brought together Friends staff members, trustees, and volunteers – serving as a heartfelt tribute to those who generously dedicate their time to supporting the hospital.
A fantastic number of volunteers gathered as the charity presented four awards: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, the People’s Choice Award and the Chairman’s Award.
Victoria Sugden, Friends CEO, said: “Our volunteers provide 15 different services across RJAH and collectively dedicate over 10,000 hours of their time each year to supporting patients, staff, and visitors.
“It was a pleasure to recognise the achievements of our valued volunteers, whose time, energy and enthusiasm make a real difference to everyone at RJAH.”
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Paul Haines, who joined the Friends volunteer family two years ago, volunteering within the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre.
Paul was nominated for his dedication and commitment – his friendliness, forward thinking, and willingness to help both patients and staff make him a truly exceptional volunteer.
Paul said: “I feel both humbled and honoured to be given this award which I accept on behalf of all volunteers at the RJAH.
“Many have less patient facing roles and yet every individual deserves recognition for their time, commitment and compassion.
“Thank you also must go to the staff of the League of Friends who do such a magnificent job.”
Runner-up in this category was Jenny Upshaw, who volunteers in the shop and was nominated for being incredibly kind, helpful and always putting a smile on everyone’s face.
Volunteer Team of the Year was awarded to the Gardening Team – a group who have worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to lovingly transform RJAH’s green spaces into pockets of peace and tranquillity, for the benefit of patients and staff.
Mike Fish, Garden Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, said: “I’m extremely proud of every member of my team – come rain or shine, they have been instrumental in delivering positive change around RJAH’s 72-acre site.”
The runner-up for this award was the Shop Trolley team – a committed group of volunteers who consistently show up with a friendly face, delivering goods to patients across the hospital, and lending a listening ear along the way.
The Chairman’s Award went to Gill Middleton, a kind-hearted and tenacious volunteer, whose positivity radiates out to patients and staff.
Gill volunteers across a wide range of services; the Helpdesk, Shop Trolley and Percy Pals. Having been a patient on the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, Gill gives back as her way of saying thank you to RJAH. She has also set herself the challenge of taking on the Chester Triple and is fundraising for RJAH alongside.
Chairman Peter David, who presented the award, said: “Gill is a truly inspirational volunteer – this award is a heartfelt thank you for her courage, commitment, and the incredible difference she makes every day.”
Gill said: “I was completely humbled and amazed to be given this award during my first year of volunteering – I can only thank everyone who nominated me.
“Thank you so much – I’m truly grateful and will do my best to live up to this in the years ahead.”
The People’s Choice Award went to Julie McCabe. Julie was nominated by her peers for being an instrumental member of the Veterans’ team – often going the extra mile to organise celebration events and creating a community feeling within the Veterans’ Hub.
Julie said: “I’m very thankful to have been honoured with the People’s Choice Award. It’s important we also recognise the team who make my ideas a reality.
“Lots of hard work goes into every event but we also have lots of fun. I’m proud to be part of such an amazing team.”
If you’re interested in volunteering at RJAH, please visit: https://www.friendsrjah.org.uk/volunteer/
Alternatively, you can contact:
- Email – rjah.leagueoffriends@nhs.net
- Call – 01691 404401
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