Publish date: 3 July 2024
A young man described as “a joy to work with” was the judges’ runaway winner in Volunteer of the Year at this year’s Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Celebrating Success awards.
Oscar Bradley has volunteered for more than 300 hours in the past three years and is a regular in the Outpatients shop at Blackpool Victoria Hospital which is run by the Blue Skies hospital charity.
Accompanied by dad Martin, he received his winner’s trophy and certificate from Executive Director of Corporate Governance Esther Steel.
She said: “Volunteering is about the gift you give yourself as well as others – and Oscar’s ‘like-to-help’ attitude has enabled him to flourish as an individual and become more confident in himself. When Oscar spots someone needing assistance, he’s always straight over to help especially when it’s someone who may be feeling a little nervous visiting hospital.”
Head of Charity at Blue Skies Kila Redfearn, who hosted the awards, added: “It’s so good to see Oscar, he’s been a fabulous asset to the Trust and the charity. It’s been so lovely to see him grow and be so supportive. Well done and thank you so much for everything you do!”
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has more than 300 active volunteers, working in more than 30 different roles. This is information about how to become a volunteer.
The runners up for the award were hospital volunteer Jim Doran; Emergency Department volunteers Ann Swan and Graham Leyland; and, Margaret Sykes and Jim Hicken from the MacMillan Friendly Friday Drop-In at Over Wyre Medical Centre.
More than 400 nominations were received for the Celebrating Success 2024 overall.
The ceremony was watched online by thousands of colleagues, family and members of the public. Watch Oscar receiving his award.
