Kingston students commended for volunteering work

Each year around 400 Kingston University students give their time and energy to charities and community groups in the Kingston Borough.

This year their dedication was celebrated at a Vice Chancellor's reception in the stunning surroundings of the University's museum Dorich House. All the students present had been nominated for special awards by the organisations they support.

Winners included PhD student Madiha Khan, who helps at the British Red Cross' Next Steps scheme, which supports vulnerable people returning home from hospital; 'School Volunteer of the Year' Amy Wheatley, a classroom assistant and playground helper at Tolworth Junior School; and 'Best Newcomer' Sara Ann Hope, who works at Southborough High School supporting pupils with learning disabilities.

Three Volunteering England Gold Awards went to Derryn Lovett, Emma Lidner and Rachael Penzo for their efforts around the Borough, too.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Julius Weinburg opened the event, praising the students' hard work. 

"Boasting isn't usually a good thing," he said. "But sometimes I don't think we boast enough. You can all be very proud of the work you do volunteering and the experiences it's brought you."