Lucy Mason Award for Volunteering.

Nominated by: Our people

Shortlisted by: An independent panel of 'our people'

Selected by: Our people

An award for someone who makes a difference to other people's lives and in the last 12 months

Has volunteered their own time to make a real difference outside of work
Has volunteered to improve people's lives in their local community
Has given their time to help someone/people not related to them

Introduced in 2015

Lucy was, and is, one of a kind. Straight talking, hard working and a friend to everyone. Grades meant nothing to Lucy ... if you wanted the Chief told some truths Lucy would do it in her own style and leave them laughing about it. She took her Devon accent and her famous "shitty death" exclamation to many offices including Leicester and Croydon where she became the Chief's PA (can't have been too offended!). She had an infectious laugh and personality that just made people want to join her on the countless Sports Days, Challenges and Netball tournaments that she ran or took part in. It was no surprise when Our Luce went to the Palace to be awarded an MBE by the Queen - I bet she made her laugh too!

Shortlisted nominees:

Bob Costin (Plymouth):

The Ten Tors Challenge is a major endurance event on Dartmoor, organised by the Army's Headquarters South West with support from the Royal Navy, RAF, emergency services, and volunteers.
Involves 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, navigating 35, 45, or 55 miles across Dartmoor, visiting ten checkpoints within two days while being completely self-sufficient.
Bob volunteers his time to prepare and support participants, meeting with them and their parents before the challenge.
Provides training and guidance on navigation, route planning, kit checks, safety, nutrition, and wilderness skills.
Spends weekends and single days on Dartmoor helping participants practice and build confidence.
Personally plans logistics over nine months each year in his own time to ensure smooth participation.
His dedication helps participants grow in confidence and successfully complete the challenge.
This year, Bob received the Ten Tors Gold Award for 20 years of voluntary service - a remarkable and well-deserved achievement.

Joanna Horrocks-Potts (Fylde)

Joanna is nominated for the Volunteer Award for her extensive community involvement.
Works with the Girls Aloud mentoring group, empowering young women.
Served for many years as a governor at her local primary school and on the PTA of her local secondary school, retiring from these roles this year.
Passionate about helping others, especially supporting young people to be their best selves.
Coordinates her church's children's liturgy and leads some Sunday sessions for children.
Serves on the board of her local running group, which raises funds for Cystic Fibrosis.
Organises events, participates actively, and leads one of the weekly running groups.
Extends her community spirit to work by mentoring colleagues in HMLR.
Actively supports Fylde's committees, often participating in Bingo and fundraising activities.
Known for her incredible energy and dedication across both community and work life.

Samantha Mills (Nottingham)

Nominated for a Volunteering Award for her selfless dedication outside of work.
Works full-time as a Senior HR Business Partner, supporting her team and the wider HR department.
Volunteers with The Samaritans, providing a confidential, non-judgemental listening service to people in need.
Takes difficult calls from individuals seeking support and offers compassionate listening without pressure.
Assists the charity with recruitment of new volunteers, helping sustain and grow the organisation.
Recognised for balancing a demanding job with significant voluntary commitment, making a positive impact in her community.

Previous recipients of the Lucy Mason Award for Volunteering:

2024 - Paul Atkin (Plymouth)
2023 - Michael Daley (Fylde)
2022 - Rachel Thomas (Leicester)
2021 - Andy Pothecary (Fylde)
2020 - June Saele (Fylde)
2019 - Sue Malley (Peterborough)

Awards page.