Sisters who go 'above and beyond' for brother recognised

A pair of sisters will be recognised for going "above and beyond" to support a charity which helps their brother.

Isabel, 9, and Jemima, 11, volunteer for a charity which supports four-year-old Louie - who needs a ventilator to breathe - and provides respite for the family.

The trio's mother Lydia said the girls gave up their time "freely" to put smiles on other children's faces.

The sisters said they were "happy and shocked" to find out they were among the winners of nine prizes being presented at the Gloucestershire Volunteer Awards, which is taking place on the same day the BBC launches its Local's Make A Difference award.

Lydia explained her son had a tracheostomy and needed nursing which was provided by the James Hopkins Trust.

"Louis goes there once a week to develop his social skills with other children. He's a complex little boy.

"It's lovely to see Louis brings them [his sisters] so much happiness," she added.

Speaking for the charity, Charlene Spackman said she had a "soft spot" for the sisters.

"Isabel and Jemima are beautiful little girls, inside and out. They openly talk about who the trust are, how it supports their little brother.

"They're just wonderful little girls," she added.

Isabel said she volunteered for the charity so children could have toys and play together and Jemima said she thought it was important to help people and encourage others to do the same.

The Gloucestershire Volunteers Awards will take place later.

• Rising Star: Jemima and Isabel - For spending their time and money on supplies to make keyrings, bracelets and sweet treats to raise money at James Hopkins Trust fundraising events

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Will Cook - Nominated for volunteering for four decades to help the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre and maintain the town's Market House clock

• Best Community Group: Quedgeley Knit and Natter - A group which has been running for 10 years knitting hats for babies at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and gloves, scarves and blankets for Gloucester City Mission and care homes

• Volunteer Impact: Alison Watkins-Nash and David Nash - A husband and wife volunteer team who have supported the Working 4 Wellbeing charity since 2021. They regularly assist with community meals, warm room events, outdoor community activities and outings for older, isolated residents

• Corporate Volunteering: APM Fire & Security Ltd - A family-run fire and security business which dedicates time to corporate voluntary work with charities

• Trustee of the Year: Nicola Baggott - Attends fundraising events, supports families during sessions and works closely with volunteers and staff as a trustee for Brody's Trust

• Children and Young People Support: Lucy Kender and Adey Griffiths - Volunteers with Nightstop, a charity which supports people at risk of homelessness

• Sports Volunteer: Steve Pitman - Nominated for his work with Southside Star FC Youth, which has increased its players from three to 550 since 2005

• Best Organisation to Volunteer With: Read With Me - Its volunteers hear primary and secondary school children read twice a week for 10-15 minutes on a one-to-one basis

Click here to find details of volunteering websites and links you can access to give it a go!

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