The Mervyn Smith Community Champion Award for 2021 was awarded by the Sherborne Town Mayor to John Miller of Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance last week.
John has volunteered for the SVA since an accident he had nearly 20 years ago when he spent several days unconscious, in hospital and almost died. He was told he wouldn’t be able to walk again. He refused to believe it and after a couple of years of physio and sheer determination he was back walking.
Insurance issues prevented him from being able to get paid work so when his daughter in law told him that the SVA needed drivers he enquired, and the rest is history.
John is the current manager and works tirelessly to organise the other volunteer drivers and arrange trips.
The SVA brings fun and happiness to so many people who may otherwise be stuck at home. When isolation and social exclusion are associated with adverse health outcomes, the SVA brings people together in a spirit of community and friendship that has real benefits to physical and mental health.
Mayor Cllr Anne Hall said, ‘It is an honour to present this award to John, someone who cares so much about those around him even after all he has been through himself.’
In 2015 the Town Council initiated a new award being the ‘Mervyn Smith Community Champion Award’, set up in memory of Mervyn and his work with the Over 50s and people of Sherborne, and it was awarded posthumously to Mervyn in 2015.
The criteria for this award is based on a Community Champion being an inspirational figure, a community entrepreneur, mentor or leader who ‘champions’ the priorities and needs of their communities and helps them get involved by building on existing skills. They drive forward community activities and pass on their expertise to others. They also provide support, for example, through mentoring or by helping to manage small projects.
The SVA, like many voluntary organisations rely on donations to help with running costs. If you would like to donate, please email sherbornevoluntaryambulance@gmail.com