Norfolk volunteer honoured by the Princess Royal

Monday, 2 November 2009

A disabled Norfolk pensioner is celebrating winning an award for her work with victims of serious crimes. Sylvia Willingale, from Antingham, near North Walsham, has volunteered with Victim Support for 10 years since moving to the county.

Over the years she has worked with rape victims, survivors of hostage situations and the families of murder victims, supporting them to rebuild their lives.

Mrs Willingale, who suffers from spina bifida and arthritis, manages her volunteer work around her disabilities, ensuring that she can support her clients without endangering her health.

She is also learning sign language so that she can continue to support victims if her hearing, which is already declining, deteriorates any further.

At a dinner in London on Wednesday evening, the Princess Royal presented her with the East of England Victim Support award for individual work with victims.

“I'm absolutely over the moon to have won,” she said. “It was lovely to meet Princess Anne and I managed to bob my curtsey without falling over.

“The award is a real achievement for us. Even though I was the one there it was really about the whole team who work together.”

Another Norfolk volunteer, Jennifer Elton, was a regional award-winner for her work at Cromer Magistrates Court supporting witnesses during trials.

Her manager Brenda Rawlinson said: “We must consider ourselves fortunate that Jennifer chose to volunteer for Victim Support. Her dedication knows no boundaries. Whatever the witness needs she will move mountains to provide it.”

The national judging panel said they were impressed at her ability to work alone effectively, without much supervision or support.

This article is courtesy of Norwich Evening News 24, please click this link to see more.