News

Kidney Research UK shop volunteer and Redcar resident, Mrs Jean Wilson, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA).

At a special ceremony on 14 July to recognise and acknowledge volunteers for the contributions they make to the community, Jean was awarded for her long term volunteering commitment to the Kidney Research UK retail shop in Redcar and also her wider contribution to her local community. Jean has volunteered at the charity shop for 17 years.

Jean Wilson, Lifetime Achievement Award winner July 2017

Jean, now 86, volunteers at the shop every Thursday, doing all sorts of things behind the scenes to help make the shop run smoothly.

She said: “I love coming into the shop each week and doing my bit alongside the rest of the team. I get to bake them a cake to keep them going, and I love the cleaning and sorting I get to do to help the shop.

“I really look forward to being there; it’s the highlight of my week! And throughout the time I’ve been helping with Kidney Research UK, I’ve seen the shop grow and develop in the community.”

Speaking about Jean’s contribution to the shop, Kidney Research UK Shop Manager Neil Stewart, said: “We are so delighted to see that Jean has been given this Lifetime Achievement Award. It is very well deserved.

“Jean makes a huge contribution to the shop team here in Redcar. She loves to help in any way she can, from cleaning the household items that have been donated, to sorting jewellery and other bits and pieces. And every week, without fail, she makes fabulous cakes for us too!

“Put simply, Jean is an inspiration to us all. She is an essential member of our team and a true example of selfless giving in a volunteer role.”

The Kidney Research UK shop in Redcar is looking for more volunteers. If you’d like to find out how you can get involved, please call Neil Stewart on 01642 493 663.