Over 170 volunteers attended Paths for All’s 2018 Volunteer Awards at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, September 20 after being nominated for the outstanding contribution they make to getting more people walking.
The event, a highlight of our year, recognised volunteers who help Paths for All realise its goal of significantly increasing the number of people who choose to walk.
A range of volunteers received accolades at the event including Health Walks leaders, regional walking project coordinators, groups and individuals who transform paths and walkways, and those who run walks for people affected by cancer or dementia.
The ceremony, hosted by BBC presenter Fiona Stalker, also congratulated young people involved in our innovative Path Skillz programme and those who have motivated colleagues to up their steps as part of Paths for All’s workplace initiative, the Step Count Challenge. Ian Findlay, Chief Officer at Paths for All said:
These volunteers’ efforts in improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health are invaluable.
Our Volunteer Awards are a chance to thank the country's unsung heroes who work tirelessly, out of the goodness of their hearts, just to see their efforts benefitting others around them.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation and we always look forward to this event when we put our amazing volunteers at centre stage.
Their stories are always inspiring – and this year was certainly no exception.
Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, who presented the awards, said: “It was an honour to be in the company of so many hardworking and selfless individuals.
“It was heart-warming to be able to hear the stories of volunteers who have carried out some very herald-worthy work.
“Paths for All aims to get Scotland walking – everyone, everywhere and everyone, and it’s clear that that the passion and commitment from its army of volunteers is making that vision become a reality.
“In that respect, these volunteers really do our country proud.”
Paths for All’s Volunteer Awards 2018 went to:
Community Path Volunteer of the Year - Mike Duncan, Cove in Bloom Woodland Walk, Aberdeen
Community Path Group of the Year - Ayrshire Coastal Path Pathminders
Path Skillz Young Person of the Year - Jordan Edgar, Inverclyde CLD Youth / Inverclyde Academy. Runner up - Christopher McClure, Inverclyde CLD Youth / Inverclyde Academy
Path Skillz Group of the Year - Forth Valley College, Workstart Group
Health Walk Volunteer of the Year -Tony Lewty, Ageing Well Edinburgh
Health Walk Volunteer Group of the Year - JIC Walking Club, Fraserburgh
Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer of the Year - Linda Shields, Stirling Walking Network
Macmillan Walk Leader Award - Brenda Robertson, Macmillan Move More Borders
Volunteer Manager of the Year - Lynne Bannister, Step It Up Highland
Step Count Champion of the Year - Laura Tirman, Shurpers, University of Edinburgh
Each winner was presented with an award, a certificate, £250 towards their project and a £30 gift voucher.
Community Path Volunteer of the Year - Mike Duncan, Cove in Bloom Woodland Walk, Aberdeen
Community Path Group of the Year - Ayrshire Coastal Path Pathminders
Path Skillz Young Person of the Year - Jordan Edgar, Inverclyde CLD Youth / Inverclyde Academy. Runner up - Christopher McClure, Inverclyde CLD Youth / Inverclyde Academy
Path Skillz Group of the Year - Forth Valley College, Workstart Group
Health Walk Volunteer of the Year -Tony Lewty, Ageing Well Edinburgh
Health Walk Volunteer Group of the Year - JIC Walking Club, Fraserburgh
Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer of the Year - Linda Shields, Stirling Walking Network
Macmillan Walk Leader Award - Brenda Robertson, Macmillan Move More Borders
Volunteer Manager of the Year - Lynne Bannister, Step It Up Highland
Step Count Champion of the Year - Laura Tirman, Shurpers, University of Edinburgh
Each winner was presented with an award, a certificate, £250 towards their project and a £30 gift voucher.