Voting now open for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s new award to celebrate their amazing volunteers

Image of Sam Mead, Keith Reeves, Anna Heywood and Myles Leaman. Four finalists for the Volunteer of the Year award 2026.

Published: 9 February 2026

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has over 400 volunteers working every day to make a difference in the lives of our patients and communities.

New for 2026, the Volunteer of the Year Award has been created to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of their volunteers, shining a light on their dedication, compassion, and commitment. From offering companionship on wards and in care homes, to providing vital admin support, mentoring service users, supporting nutrition and hydration, and sharing their creativity through music, crafts and fundraising – volunteers play a vital role across our services.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust colleagues have been nominating our volunteers that have gone above and beyond their role to provide excellent service with a smile, kindness and understanding.

All nominations have been considered by a judging panel and four individuals have been shortlisted. Members of the public can now read the nomination and cast their vote, with the winner announced at Torbay and South Devon’s award celebration event in May.

The shortlisted individual finalists for the award are:

  • Sam Mead, Way Finder and Administrative Transporter
  • Keith Reeves, Torbay Hospital Radio Presenter and Chairman
  • Anna Heywood, MSK Physiotherapy Admin Support
  • Myles Leaman, Way Finder

Sam Mead is a dedicated and much-loved volunteer who always goes above and beyond for staff, patients and visitors. Friendly, cheerful and full of energy, he is always eager to help, switching roles as needed and supporting others with kindness and professionalism. Known for his constant smile and positive attitude, Sam brightens the hospital every day and has built a wonderful reputation over more than six years of volunteering. His resilience, dedication and genuine love of helping others make him a truly invaluable member of the team.

Keith Reeves is a devoted, hardworking and inspiring volunteer whose leadership as Chairman of Torbay Hospital Radio has made a lasting impact. He gives countless hours to ensuring broadcasts run smoothly, supporting and training volunteers, solving problems and representing the service at community events. Through his passion, warmth and commitment, Keith strengthens connections between the hospital and the wider community, helping deliver music and entertainment that improves listeners wellbeing. He truly embodies the spirit of volunteering and is an outstanding ambassador for the service.

Anna Heywood is an extraordinary volunteer whose energy, positivity and British Sign Language (BSL) expertise make a huge difference to both colleagues, patients and their families. She goes above what is expected of her as a volunteer, giving her time to teach the team simple BSL, supporting members of the Deaf community to feel valued and improving their overall experience. Her dedication inspires the whole team, boosts confidence, and enhances patient care, making her an invaluable and inspirational part of the department.

Myles Leaman showed exceptional kindness and dedication when he noticed an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair waiting for transport. He kept him company, bought him lunch with his own money and stayed well beyond his shift until the transport arrived at 4 pm. His compassion, patience and willingness to go above and beyond as a volunteer made a huge difference to the patient’s experience, demonstrating remarkable care and selflessness.

Jess Piper, Chief People Officer, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are so excited to launch this new award, which forms part of Our People Awards. Our volunteers give up their time to support our patients and the wider community and we are incredibly grateful. This award is just one way we can celebrate them and say thank you.

We would like to encourage everyone to read the nomination stories and vote for your winner.”

The voting for the Volunteer of the Year Award is now open, and people can read their stories and nominations and cast their vote.

Voting will close at midnight on Monday 23 February 2026.

The Our People Awards celebration event is paid for entirely thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors: Hulley and Kirkwood Consulting Engineers; Services Design Solution; Nevada Construction; Bailey Partnership and Multiverse. Thank you so much for recognising and valuing our incredible hard-working people.