Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) volunteer and Reading resident Linda Jenkins has won an award that recognises the voluntary efforts of over 65s.
The Senior Changemakers: Volunteering Champion Awards were given by Newbury-based healthcare company Edwards Lifesciences to honour the exceptional contributions of older volunteers in the South East.
Linda has volunteered with the charity for over eight years, raising thousands of pounds to help their work in tackling motor neurone disease.
She received the award at a ceremony at Reading Town Hall last week, in recognition of her contribution in raising awareness for the disease. In winning the award, she has also received a £2,000 grant for the MNDA to help them continue their work.
“Lin’s award is well deserved and brings much-needed recognition to the tireless efforts and impact of all of our amazing volunteers at the charity,” commented Jane Gilbert, spokesperson for the MNDA’s Reading and West Berkshire Branch.
“The grant from Edwards Lifesciences will allow us to extend the vital support that our volunteers can give to local families affected by this brutal disease.”
The Senior Changemakers Awards recognise the commitment and hard work of over-65s and highlight the value that older generations bring to their local communities, something judges say Linda epitomises.
“The judges were impressed by the commitment and creativity Linda brought to her volunteering with the MNDA in Reading,” said Nick Walker, Sr. Country Director at Edwards Lifesciences UK & Ireland.
“We believe that these awards will exemplify the immense value that senior people like Linda bring to our communities, through their volunteering, mentoring and caring.”
A total of 65 charities in the South East of England were invited to nominate volunteers over the age of 65 for the Senior Changemakers: Volunteering Champions award between November 2023 and March 2024.
The awards are an integral component of Edwards Lifesciences’ Senior Changemakers project, dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of older individuals, while also highlighting the genuine economic significance of volunteerism among people aged 65+.
An official report into the social and economic impact of Senior Changemakers is to be launched later in the year.
The Senior Changemakers project marks the latest stage of Edwards Lifesciences’ Unifying Generations strategy, launched in 2022.
This initiative is aimed at changing perceptions of the older population and emphasising their positive contribution to society and role as unifiers between the generations.
