GUIDE Dogs celebrated the efforts of their volunteers by holding their annual awards ceremony and there was a Cowdenbeath winner.

This year, due to the current climate, the event took place via Zoom, making it the very first virtual rendition of the Volunteer Awards.

This year several volunteers that hailed from Fife picked up awards for their selfless efforts as Guide Dogs volunteers. The first of three volunteers to pick up their award, was Stuart Donaldson, of Cupar. Stuart was recognised with this award, for his ability to reflect Guide Dogs’ values through remaining optimistic during a truly difficult time.

During lockdown, has continued in his role as a Speaker Trainer, helping to develop Speaker volunteers carry out their role. In being nominated, Stuart’s volunteer manager, Caroline Toddington, had this to say: ‘Stuart has been really enthusiastic to embrace this new way of working as a trainer in a more challenging environment of telephone calls rather than the usual face to face course.’

The next Fife based volunteer to pick up an award was Nicole Donnachie, from Cowdenbeath, who picked up an award in the ‘Engage’ category of the event.

Nicole picked Guide Dogs as her YPI (Youth and Philanthropy) school project, and on the lead up to the event £1,500 was raised for the organisation.

Sadly they didn’t win the YPI money, but that didn’t deter Nicole who went on to raise the £2,500 herself.

The target was reached in just 3 months.

Last but not least is Jonathan Attenborough. A student who hails from Newburgh, Jonathan won the category; ‘Lead-by-example’ and there isn’t a category as deserving for Jonathan’s efforts as a volunteer for Guide Dogs. Jonathan is a student at Perth College, and was a part of a group which raised £5,000 to name a puppy with Guide Dogs, their efforts helped them win the the OBI (Outstanding, Best, Inspiring) award at Perth College for 2019.

Sadly Jonathan’s own Guide Dog was attacked which led it to be retired. As tribute, Jonathan raised another £5,000 to name a puppy after his old Guide Dog, Zorba.

Jonathan is an ardent supporter of Guide Dogs, both as a fundraiser and as a campaigner who has inspired both staff and other volunteers.

Luke Walker said on behalf of Guide Dogs: "We are very proud and grateful for all the hard work that each and every one of our volunteers put in to support Guide Dogs.

"The Volunteer Awards is a great way for the organisation to give recognition to the efforts of our volunteers and share some of the great stories from the passed year. If you are interested in creating some amazing stories of your own through volunteering with Guide Dogs, you can. Simply by visiting the volunteer section on the Guide Dogs Website, and taking a look at the volunteering opportunities that are available in your area.

"In Fife there are numerous Fundraising roles that are currently available in the area. Check https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs"