Volunteers celebrated after contributing record-breaking 82,000 hours of support across UHN

Michael Leonard, NGH Volunteer Choice Award winner

Volunteers at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) have donated a record-breaking 82,536 hours of support over 12 months — the equivalent of almost nine-and-a-half years of continuous volunteering.

The hours were accrued between April 2025 and March 2026, with volunteers supporting patients, visitors and staff in a wide range of roles across the hospitals. From supporting patients on arrival and in wards, to helping teams with non-clinical tasks, volunteers continue to play a vital role across UHN.

Emma Wimpress, Head of Volunteer Services, said: “It has been a remarkable 12 months for volunteering across UHN. Our volunteers have given more hours than ever before, and their selfless contribution makes a real difference to patients, families and colleagues.

“We are incredibly grateful for their kindness, compassion and dedication every day.”

The difference volunteers make across both hospitals was celebrated at a special awards evening in Northampton on Wednesday 3 June, which coincided with Volunteers’ Week.

During the event, awards were presented to the following volunteers for going above and beyond in their roles:

• Stuart Lake – KGH Staff Choice Award
• Yvonne Thompson – NGH Staff Choice Award
• Michael Leonard – NGH Volunteer Choice Award
• Bernie Taylor – KGH Volunteer Choice Award
• Sharon Nola – Head of Volunteer Services Award

Richard Mitchell, UHN and UHL Chief Executive, said: “It was a real privilege to spend time with our volunteers at this year’s celebration.

“Contributing a record 82,536 hours over the past year is an incredible achievement and reflects the generosity, compassion and community spirit they bring to UHN.

“We are immensely proud of everything they do and we are sincerely grateful for the time they give so freely to support our patients, visitors and colleagues.”

A special thanks also goes to the event sponsors Jarrolds and Northamptonshire Health Charity who made the awards evening possible.

Hear how much volunteers are appreciated by colleagues across both hospitals in this video from UHN colleagues.