THE CARING founder of a much-loved Worcester children’s charity has been honoured with a top award.
Jean Wilson, founder of New Hope Children’s Charity, was among a trio of kind-hearted volunteers who were honoured by Worcestershire County Council with a Black Pear Tree sward
As part of the awards, which come under the World Class Worcestershire campaign, the volunteers given a Black Pear tree situated within the grounds of County Hall.
The Black Pear tree is the symbol of Worcestershire and has been since the 1600’s when Queen Elizabeth 1st commanded the fruit be place on Worcestershire’s flag.
During the ceremony, the volunteers were commended for their ongoing commitment and work ethic which as a result has seen local communities benefit for the better. All three volunteers represented Worcestershire’s army of local volunteers who provide unwavering duty and community spirit to help others.
“I’m thrilled to have been nominated to receive a black pear tree award for my voluntary work at New Hope,” Jean said. “The work I do involves a wide team of staff and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the project and also thanks to all our supporters; we appreciate their kindness too.
“Volunteering is rewarding and often goes unseen so to all volunteers across Worcestershire I’d say thank you to them all.”
The Black Pear Tree Award was also given to Derrick Potter, a volunteer for Pershore Volunteer Centre, and Mike Cusack, who helps out at Droitwich Community Transport Service.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, county councillor with responsibility for communities, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of the presentation of the Black Pear tree to such well deserving charities.
“I have known about Jean and her team at New Hope since it opened. I was glad to celebrate their work.”
National Volunteer Week, organised by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, ran from June 1-7.
Seven other recipients have been given the Black Pear Tree Award including Rio Olympian Alex Gregory, Paralympians Lauren Rowles, Clare Cashmore, Rebecca Redfern, the Men’s GB wheelchair basketball team and two of the remaining Canary Girls, who worked at the munition factory in Blackpole.
