Volunteers in Leeds honoured by the NSPCC

The initiative - which shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes who support the charity’s work - named Geraldine Foley as Schools Volunteer of the Year at a ceremony at Banking Hall, London, while GSAL was recognised as one of the Outstanding Schools of the Year. Both received a certificate signed by HRH The Countess Of Wessex, the NSPCC’s patron.

Geraldine, who has volunteered for the NSPCC’s school service for four years, has delivered more than 280 Speak out Stay safe assemblies in North Yorkshire. She frequently travels all over West and North Yorkshire to cover areas with fewer volunteers, from the smallest village school of 15 children in the Yorkshire Dales to the largest of 800.

Geraldine, 64, has already been recognised as the North of England winner before receiving the UK wide award. She was nominated for the award by area coordinator Tracey Weaver. Geraldine said: “I was amazed really, there are so many others that are doing the same as me, we are a team at the NSPCC so this is a team award really. I don’t see myself giving up anytime soon, it keeps me going, it keeps me active and I need it as much as the NSPCC needs volunteers.”

The GSAL received recognition for its junior pupils’ amazing fundraising efforts. They organised a spelling championship which raised £7,247.13 for the NSPCC after being inspired by a Speak Out Stay Safe assembly.

Tom Weaver, assistant headteacher of the junior school, said: “Thank you for this award, which will mean so much to our pupils as recognition for their magnificent fundraising effort. We were very proud of their hard work practising their spellings and finding sponsors, all motivated by their desire to raise funds to help other children.”