October 15th, 2024

We are delighted to announce that Guild volunteer Mandy Handley has received deserved recognition in BBC Radio’s ‘Make a Difference’ Awards 2024. This nationwide competition celebrates the contribution made by volunteers in eight different fields of endeavour. Mandy came second in the awards for BBC London’s volunteers.

Mandy has volunteered for 12 years in the Guild Shop at Barts. She serves patients, staff and visitors with snacks and treats and, like all our volunteers, finds time to listen to their worries.

Mandy also collects costume jewellery and other small items from friends and neighbours to sell in the shop’s pre-loved shelves, helps to wrap and deliver Christmas gifts for patients and, pre covid, worked with colleagues to stock and run very popular fund-raising tabletop sales.

Notably, Mandy worked with a small team of four volunteers to keep the shop open during Covid and helping to triage patients and their companions. As well as her work for the Guild Mandy also finds time to volunteer in an Essex hospice.

Commenting on her award, Mandy said: “I was nominated by a family member and was overwhelmed by the number of votes I received. I feel that the award is an achievement for the Guild and for Barts.”

The compere at the awards ceremony said that Mandy is a credit to Barts and we agree – we are very proud of our Guild volunteers and delighted that Mandy’s contribution has been acknowledged by Londoners.