Two Wyre Forest volunteers recognised for 'outstanding' work (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Two Wyre Forest volunteers recognised for 'outstanding' work

7:20am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By William Tomaney

TWO Wyre Forest stalwarts have been recognised for their “outstanding” volunteer work.

Fred Holland, from Kidderminster and Hazel Rhoden, from Bewdley were among 60 people from the Midlands out of 550 nominated in the region to be announced as Diamond Champions by older people’s charity WRVS.

They are both due to attend a ceremony in Birmingham today to be presented with a specially designed pin and a certificate signed by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

A judging panel will select 10 of the regional diamond champions to join 70 others from across the UK at an event to be held at St James’s Palace in November where they will meet the Royal couple.

Mr Holland’s volunteer work has included helping to set up and run the recently re-named Fred Holland Centre for Diabetes at Kidderminster Hospital.

He said: “I was over the moon to be nominated out of all those people, it was incredible. I have done a lot of work and it is wonderful to be recognised.”

Mrs Rhoden said she was “very pleased” to be honoured for her volunteer work which has including helping at Wyre Forest Community Transport and the Bewdley branch of the Women’s Section Royal British Legion.

Sam Ward, WRVS head of Midlands region, said: “It is with great pleasure we announce the 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.

“All the nominees are fantastic examples of the incredible volunteering work being done by people across the Midlands.”