Trust recognises more than 270 years of volunteer service at AGM awards | News

Pictured: (Left) Martin Sharpe, HWD Hospital Radio volunteer, (Right) Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust

Dedicated volunteers from across Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust were recognised for their outstanding commitment and service at the Trust's Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Al-Hikmah Centre in Dewsbury on Thursday 10 September.

The Volunteer Long Service Awards celebrated the contributions of eight volunteers who have reached significant service milestones over the past 18 months, with a combined total of more than 270 years of volunteering.

Awards were presented to volunteers supporting services at Dewsbury and District Hospital, including hospital guides, MY Café volunteers and members of the HWD Hospital Radio. In addition, three volunteers from HWD Hospital Radio received special recognition for their extraordinary dedication, having collectively contributed an incredible 135 years of service to patients across Mid Yorkshire.

Martin Sharpe, HWD Hospital Radio volunteer, said:

“Volunteering with HWD Hospital Radio has been a huge part of my life for more than 45 years. I first got involved through my love of rugby league and supporting Dewsbury RLFC, after being introduced to the hospital radio commentary team at a match in 1980.

“What began with rugby commentaries has grown into decades of helping bring entertainment and a connection to the outside world for patients across our hospitals. 

"Knowing that our broadcasts have provided comfort and enjoyment to patients over the years has made every minute worthwhile, and I’m incredibly proud to receive this recognition.”

The awards highlighted the vital role volunteers play across the Trust. During 2025/26, more than 400 volunteers donated over 40,000 hours of their time, providing support to patients, visitors and staff.

Keith Ramsay, Chair of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: "Our volunteers make an incredible difference to the experience of patients, visitors and staff every single day.

"The volunteers recognised through these awards have shown remarkable dedication over many years and given their free time to support the Trust.

“On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank them, and all of our volunteers, for the invaluable contribution they make to our hospitals and the communities we serve."

The awards formed part of the Trust's Annual General Meeting, which brought together colleagues, partners, volunteers and members of the public to reflect on the organisation's achievements over the past year and look ahead to future priorities.

Volunteer opportunities are available across all three Mid Yorkshire hospital sites. To find out more about volunteering with the Trust, visit: www.midyorks.nhs.uk/volunteering