Newark Community First Aid volunteer given a Platinum Jubilee Champions Award

A first-aid volunteer has received an award from the Queen after decades of community service.

Philip Jessop, operations manager for Newark Community First Aid, received the Platinum Jubilee Champions Award for his services to volunteering.

The awards were launched by the Duchess of Cornwall, who is president of the Royal Voluntary Service, to celebrate extraordinary volunteers who go the extra mile to improve the lives of others.

Out of the thousands of volunteers nominated just 490 were chosen with a select 70 being invited to attend the Platinum Party at the Palace ­— including Philip ­— which included a concert of big names like Diana Ross and Queen, and a spectacular drone show.

He said: “It was a great honour to receive the news that out of so many dedicated volunteers across the country I was to be selected as a Platinum Jubilee Champion.

“I feel the award is for all of our team of volunteers at Newark Community First Aid.”

He said he didn’t expect something like this to happen because he volunteered for the pure enjoyment and satisfaction of being a first aid volunteer.

He said: “A few weeks ago I met with a gentleman we had resuscitated just before the start of the pandemic and hearing about how he had enjoyed three extra years with his family is of course what makes our volunteering so special.”

On attending the Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace, he said: “Being there with so many people enjoying celebrating the Queen’s service over the last 70 years including so many memorable moments like the Queen and Paddington Bear and the drone show was fantastic.”

Philip has been a first aid volunteer for more than 45 years and was one of the founding members of Newark Community First Aid ten years ago.

The organisation provides first-aid cover at events around the region and offers training courses.

Stephen Toyne, logistics manager at Newark Community First Aid, who accompanied Philip to the Palace, said: “All of our members are really pleased about the award — which came in Volunteers’ Week — and I know Philip is keen to encourage many more people to volunteer with us as he believes volunteering is good for people; they gain a great deal from the experience.

“It would be great to hear from people interested in joining us so that we can continue to develop our charity and serve the community.”