Sheila Miller wins Diamond Champion award (From Gazette & Herald)

Sheila Miller wins Diamond Champion award

11:28am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A MALTON voluntary worker has been recognised as a Diamond Champion for her contribution to the local community.

Sheila Miller was one of 60 people announced as a winner of the award for their outstanding volunteer work.

Diamond Champions, run by older people’s charity WRVS and supported by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as joint patrons, recognises the contribution that people over the age of 60 make through volunteering.

More than 800 people from the North West and Yorkshire and Humber were nominated and the 60 chosen winners were invited to an event at York Guildhall last week, where they were presented with a specially-designed Diamond Champions pin and a certificate signed by the royal couple.

Sue Collins, WRVS head of services for North West and Yorkshire and Humber, said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the 60 Diamond Champions.

“They are truly deserving of the honour and it is justified recognition of the selfless work they do in their communities to help others.

“It was incredibly hard to choose 60 Diamond Champions from all the nominations we received; all the nominees are fantastic examples of the incredible volunteering work being done by older people across the region.”

Mrs Miller has been a volunteer for the last 30 years working with numerous groups including the Samaritans, local hospices, community health and Ryedale LINk.

She said: “I was nominated some months ago and was absolutely delighted when I received the letter inviting me to the Guildhall to receive the award.

“It is nice that I have been recognised and I am very flattered – it is a great honour.”