The Time2Volunteer Awards 2025, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, proudly honoured outstanding volunteers from across the region, celebrating dedication, compassion, and community impact.
Across eleven award categories, the event also shone a well-deserved spotlight on Rosie Bullard of Hornsea First Aid Centre, who received the Special Recognition Award for her exceptional commitment and inspiring service spanning over five decades.
Rosie Bullard’s extraordinary contributions embody the very heart of volunteering. When the local Minor Injuries Unit in Hornsea closed in 2018, retired midwife Rosie had the vision and drive to lead the creation of the Hornsea First Aid Centre – a vital resource that continues to provide accessible first aid to residents and visitors, saving countless long journeys to distant hospitals.
Devoting around 40 hours each week, Rosie leads the Centre while also running initiatives like a cinema club, bereavement support, community events, and Christmas dinners for those in need – all despite facing significant personal health challenges.
Jamie Lewis, CEO of HEY Smile Foundation, said:
“We have approximately 12-15,000 volunteers supporting 3,000 registered charities, not including the vast number of community and grassroots sports groups that heavily rely on volunteers to run their services across Hull and East Yorkshire. Each year, the Time2Volunteer Awards aim to celebrate some of the region’s volunteers.
“Today was a powerful reminder of the incredible generosity and spirit within our communities. Every nominee and winner reflects the heart of volunteering – commitment, compassion, and making a real difference. These awards highlight not just individual achievements but the collective impact of volunteers who give their time to strengthen and uplift those around them.”
Both East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader Councillor Jonathan Owen and Hull City Council Leader Councillor Mike Ross spoke highly of the event and the vital role volunteers play in the region. Councillor Ross said: “Smile has done a wonderful job in bringing together volunteers to celebrate the amazing work they do as a collective. We are fortunate in this region to have so many individuals willing to give up their time to help others. Volunteers are important now more than ever and will continue to be over the coming years as we face such challenging times in society.”
Councillor Owen said: “In my 27 years as a councillor, I have never failed to be impressed by those who give up their time. Volunteering is a quiet force with extraordinary reach. Its power lies not just in what it gives, but what it transforms. Today has been a celebration of those volunteers and shows just how their worth has been increasingly recognised as a force for good. It’s not just about giving, it’s about enriching lives – including our own.”
Having pre-recorded a film for the event, Rosie Bullard wondered why the other nominees didn’t have a video about them, and when the Special Recognition was announced, it came as a huge surprise. “I’m stunned, I never expected to receive this kind of recognition. I get a happy feeling out of volunteering; after retiring as a midwife, volunteering has kept me just as busy and I thoroughly enjoy it.”
Pat Hutchinson from City of Hull Street Angels, winner of the Volunteer Trustee category, reflected on the occasion, saying: “I feel truly humbled, honoured, and appreciated. So much of what happens takes place quietly in the background, and while I don’t do what I do for praise, it’s lovely to have my efforts recognised. Above all, I’m proud of the work our charity does and the difference it makes.”
The eleven category winners demonstrated remarkable commitment across diverse causes, each supported by their dedicated category sponsors:
- Active and Sports Volunteer, sponsored by Active Humber: Liam Bexon (Eastrington Sports Club)
- Behind the Scenes Volunteer, spo.nsored by Umber Creative: Trish Dobbs (Right Minds).
- Environmental Volunteer, sponsored by Transwaste: Shelby J Robinson (Sew the World a Better Place).
- Founding Volunteer, sponsored by The One Point: Sophie Bartup (Barton Inclusive FC).
- Good Neighbour Volunteer, sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical Group: Robert Cousins (Kingfisher Cafe).
- Inclusive Volunteer, sponsored by Making a Difference Locally (MADL): Gary Davies (Little Victories in the Community).
- Long Serving Volunteer, sponsored by MKM: Maggie Masters (Bridlington Salvation Army).
- Older Volunteer, sponsored by Jane Brooks Law: Brian Wald (Barton Men in Sheds).
- Volunteer Team Award, sponsored by KCOM: Volunteer Car Drivers (Humber & Wolds Rural Action)
- Trustee Volunteer, sponsored by Smailes Goldie: Pat Hutchinson (City of Hull Street Angels).
- Young Volunteer, sponsored by Eltherington Group: Annie Gawthorpe, Together for Short Lives, aged 10.
The Time2Volunteer Awards 2025 were made possible thanks to the generous support of event partners Hull CVS, CHCP Hull, East Riding Council, and Hull City Council. Plus, event sponsors Scribes Digital Print, Matthew Good Foundation, and DoubleTree by Hilton. Their partnership and support is invaluable in celebrating and empowering volunteers who strengthen communities every day.