Banbury volunteer's award nomination for help at respite holidays

Amy Thomas has been shortlisted for Sense's Volunteer of the Year award as judges praised her ongoing support for the charity's respite breaks for children and young adults with complex disabilities.

Having been a volunteer with Sense since 2012, Amy has helped out at nine holidays and short breaks, as well as several day events while working in a school supporting pupils with communication needs, and volunteering with Wales Deaf Rugby.

"I am honoured to be shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year 2018 for Sense," she said.

"I am just one of many people who love spending some of their year giving young people and adults the chance to do lots of fun activities, gain new experiences and make new friends. I can’t wait until the next one!"

Amy will find out if she has won at the annual Sense Awards, now in its 15th year, at TouchBase Pears in Birmingham on Thursday (September 20).

Hosted by BBC presenter Nikki Fox, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers that support them.

Sense chief executive Richard Kramer said: “Amy has supported dozens of holidaymakers to have an amazing break, where they get the chance to spend time with their peers, explore new environments and try new activities.

"Over the next few weeks Amy is volunteering on several more Sense Holidays.

"The Sense Awards exist to celebrate the achievements of people like Amy and I wish her all the best of luck for this year’s award ceremony.”

For more information about the awards, visit sense.org.uk/sense-awards.