Marsh Charitable Trust – Marsh Volunteer Awards with Dogs for Good

Marsh Volunteer Awards with Dogs for Good

These Awards with Dogs for Good recognise volunteers who go above and beyond across a range of services that the organisation provides to services users. The Awards recognise 12 volunteers overall.

These Award categories include:

– Puppy Volunteer of the Year: recognising a volunteer who is involved with raising or looking after the puppies that will be trained as assistance dogs.

– Fundraiser or Supporter Group Volunteer of the Year: recognising a volunteer who has raised significant funds for the charity or taken part in activities with their local Supporter Group.

– Community Impact Volunteer of the Year: recognising a volunteer whose work for Dogs for Good has helped to raise awareness of the charity in the wider community.

– Dog Volunteer of the Year: recognising a volunteer that supports the care of assistance dogs at any age.

– Volunteer Speaker of the Year: recognising a volunteer that speaks publicly about the work of Dogs for Good, in order to raise awareness and encourage support.

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Winner 2025

Marsh Award for Volunteer Speaker of the Year

Anna Prosser

Anna is an absolute marvel, putting her heart and soul into fundraising for Dogs for Good. She exemplifies enthusiasm and dedication in everything she does. Rain or shine, early mornings or late evenings, Anna is always there and ready to make a difference. Her energy is boundless. She doesn’t just attend events; she runs them, organises them, chairs them, and participates in nearly every charity fundraising activity across Warwickshire. From the moment she arrives, she never stops. Her commitment is inspiring, and her positivity makes everyone feel part of the fundraising family. Anna truly embodies the spirit of Dogs for Good, and her tireless efforts help change lives every single day.

Marsh Award for Supporter Group Volunteer of the Year

Andy and Marian Jenkins

Andy and Marian are invaluable members of the Warwickshire Supporters Group. As part of the group’s events subcommittee, they play a key role in exploring fresh and creative fundraising ideas. Andy also contributes his time to the DFG events team, always ready to lend a hand at events beyond those organized by the group. Marian takes the lead on sourcing prizes and setting up tombola stalls, ensuring she’s a constant presence at activities. Together, this dedicated couple works tirelessly to raise funds for Dogs for Good. Whether it’s hauling gazebos and tables, stocking and running the bar at recent events, or managing mountains of tombola prizes that often take over their home, they approach every task with enthusiasm and commitment. Their positivity is infectious and they’re always smiling and love explaining the incredible work their dogs do. On top of all this, they even care for a friend’s dog and donate the payment to the charity. Andy and Marian truly embody the spirit of Dogs for Good.

Marsh Award for Fundraising Volunteer of the Year

Judith Ayers

Judith has played a pivotal role in supporting Dogs for Good through her incredible craftwork. She originally launched Judenvic Creations during the COVID pandemic, when community fundraising came to a standstill. Working alongside Vicky White and Yvonne Hallows, Judith has helped raise over £7,200 for the charity. Her contribution goes far beyond crafting items to sell, and Judith actively seeks out opportunities to promote and support Dogs for Good. Over the past year, she introduced the charity to The Old Fire Station Café in Brackley, which hosted a 24-hour ‘bakeathon’ raising £2,200, and secured free stands at the Bloxham Steam Rally for two consecutive years. Judith is always willing to lend a hand, and has supported a snuffle mat masterclass with corporate partner Seton. When she’s not knitting, crafting, or attending supporter group events, she accompanies her husband Ray as he volunteers to drive dogs across the country. Judith’s tireless efforts include creating and selling crafts, attending fairs, helping organize events, and even making substantial personal donations. Her dedication, creativity, and generosity have made a lasting impact on Dogs for Good.

Yasmin Smyth

Yasmin started puppy socialising nearly 20 years ago having back to back puppies. She quickly became a key member of the Milton Keynes fundraising group and was already running it when I joined in 2012. She stopped socialising about 3 years ago as she had to start working full time but still gives lots of talks and helps with weekend fundraising events. Her largest fundraiser is the Dreams and Wishes panto raffle which she runs at all 12 performances in December and January, raising between £4- 5,000 pounds each year. Dreams and Wishes have raised over £40,000 which is over 40 puppies sponsored to date. 

Marsh Award for Puppy Volunteer of the Year

Charlotte Fryer

Charlotte has worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months socialising her Dogs for Good dog, Lexi, and is now socialising puppy Hazel. In addition, Charlotte has played a key role in radio and TV interviews supporting Dogs for Good as part of their campaign to encourage more puppy socialisers. She is instrumental in maintaining the relationship with one of the charity’s ongoing puppy sponsors, AFC Fylde Football Club. Over the last year, she has personally recruited three new socialisers in the Blackpool area. Her patience and understanding of puppies’ needs know no bounds, and she forms exceptional connections with them. From an early age, her knowledge translates into gentle training, resulting in obedient and happy dogs. Charlotte also loves hearing about the successes of her puppies that have moved on to provide amazing and caring support in line with the charity’s mission. 

Linda and John Grist

Linda and John have been dedicated puppy socialisers for many years, providing a great environment for dogs in their care. Their commitment has ensured that every puppy they have socialised grows into a confident, well-adjusted dog ready to transform lives.

Marsh Award for Dog Volunteer of the Year

Helen and Jonny Morrison

Helen and Jonny are dedicated and compassionate volunteers that define the very essence of volunteers at Dogs for Good. As a volunteer dog boarder, they have provided a loving and safe environment for Community Dogs in Scotland for the past 7 years, ensuring these incredible animals receive the stability, care, and affection necessary to thrive in their roles. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a major operation and an extended hospital stay, Helen has remained steadfast in her commitment, with Jonny by her side taking on a caring role during Helen’s recovery, both demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination. Helen and Jonny’s ability to balance personal recovery and recovery care with their passion for caring for dogs is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond the practical responsibilities of boarding, Helen and Jonny have gone above and beyond, attending volunteer training sessions and annual events. Their kindness and generosity not only benefit the animals in their care but also reflect the core values of Dogs for Good. 

Karen Duggan

Karen is a dedicated volunteer with Dogs for Good, working alongside her Activity Dog, Peanut, to bring joy and comfort to residents at Courteney’s Lodge, a supported living home for people with dementia. When Peanut first joined Karen, she faced challenges with recall and independence on walks. Through consistent training, including scent work, tricks, and life skills, Karen has built a strong, trusting bond with Peanut and continues to refine her skills. Passionate about enrichment and impact, Karen actively seeks new ways to enhance their visits, quickly implementing ideas and expanding Peanut’s repertoire. As a qualified Occupational Therapist, Karen prioritizes ongoing learning, attending courses, webinars, and even collaborating with the Dementia Dog team to deepen her understanding of dementia care. Her commitment, intuition, and enthusiasm make Karen and Peanut exceptional ambassadors for Dogs for Good, creating meaningful moments for those they support.

Emma Shaw

Emma is an exceptional volunteer with Dogs for Good, serving both as a Volunteer Dog Team and a Temporary Boarder in Bracknell, Berkshire. This year, Emma and her Labradoodle, Chewie, qualified as a Volunteer Dog Team and have since made a remarkable impact. They regularly attend weekly mental health walking groups, offering companionship and creative activities such as hide-and-seek and interactive treat games to engage participants. Emma’s thoughtful approach ensures everyone feels included, whether through cuddles, grooming, or active play. She also provides vital befriending visits to a socially isolated woman living with dementia, creating meaningful moments and working on solutions to increase independence. As a Temporary Boarder, Emma offers a loving home for Community Dogs when handlers are away, and she actively supports events, warmly engaging with the public. Emma’s dedication, creativity, and generosity make her and Chewie invaluable ambassadors for Dogs for Good.

Graham Walker

Graham is a dedicated volunteer who actively participates in the monthly Dog Day social café-style animal assisted activity sessions for the Dementia Dog Project at the Alzheimer Scotland Helensburgh Brian Health Centre. His commitment to supporting the work of Dogs for Good is evident in his continuous efforts to find new ways to contribute. In May 2024, Graham undertook a remarkable fundraising cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, showcasing his dedication and passion for the work Dogs for Good do. 
Keen to find new ways in which to support the charity, Graham is now also volunteering with the Paws for Thought sessions alongside the Dogs for Good Community Dog Team, Natashya and Sandy. These sessions provide a small group animal assisted intervention over 8 weeks at the Alzheimer Scotland Brain Health Centre in Helensburgh. Graham brings his enthusiasm and energy to the sessions which support both physical and mental wellbeing through gentle movement, activities with a community dog, mindfulness techniques and relaxation practices. Graham provides a safe space for individuals with a dementia diagnosis to connect and feel empowered. Graham’s warm, friendly, and joyous personality has significantly enhanced the experience for everyone involved, making a positive impact on the lives of those he meets. 

Sylvia Brookbanks

Sylvia holds several volunteer roles with the charity and is an allrounder than shines out. As a volunteer driver, she is a key person for the charity to transport dogs to/from clients’ homes, socialisers homes, dog boarders’ homes to the Charity. This could be anywhere in the country – Bristol and further in the South-West, Norfolk, Blackpool, Newcastle, Southampton and even Dover. She is a first-class driver and ensures the dogs have safe, comfortable journeys. Sylvia also helps as an office volunteer to ‘staff’ Reception, welcoming visitors, directing them to where they need to go, alerting staff their visitor has arrived and she is the first face of the charity when she is on reception and always has a welcoming smile. Sylvia is also a fundraiser with the Towcester and District Supporter Group. She’s the first to set up the gazebo and the last to leave when they attend local fetes and shows.  Apart from helping raise funds on the stand, she will engage with visitors sharing information and encouraging them to get more involved with the charity. Sylvia also helps with social events held at the charity’s centre where she’s often in charge of refreshments. 

Marsh Award for Community Impact Volunteer of the Year  

Julie Messer

Julie is an exceptionally reliable and adaptable volunteer whose contributions span multiple areas of Dogs for Good’s work. She regularly supports office and administrative tasks, including online research for fundraising, listing volunteering opportunities across platforms, counting donations, and assisting with new projects. This year, Julie began helping the Breeding Team with vital data entry for the European Breeding Collaborative, a role requiring precision and trust. As part of the volunteer events team, she represents the charity at fairs and plays a key role in Charity Engagement Mornings, warmly welcoming visitors and sharing her knowledge with minimal guidance. Julie’s calm, cheerful approach and flexibility have a positive impact on the charity’s culture, even as she has faced personal challenges. Her quiet efficiency, kindness, and passion make her an outstanding ambassador and an invaluable member of the team.

Previous Winners

Winners

Community Impact Volunteer of the Year

Carol Shearman – Carol is an extremely versatile volunteer and dedicates much of her time to Dogs for Good, as an integral part of the Volunteer Reception and Admin Team. Carol is extremely reliable and can be seen at the centre every Wednesday and is highly adaptable to taking on new responsibilities and challenges.

Dog Volunteer of the Year

Melaine and Kevin Bennett– Melaine and Kevin took their current Dogs for Good assistance dog, Sherwood, into their care with no notice in an emergency after his client sadly and suddenly passed away. They have gone above and beyond to become his long term boarders.

Fundraising or Supporter Group Volunteer of the Year

Ken MacIver and Denise Cronin – Ken and Denise have shown unquestionable commitment to Dogs for Good since 2007. They dedicate countless hours to volunteering and 2024 has been a particularly busy year. As well as raising and training Dogs for Good puppies, Ken and Denise are pillars for the fundraising community and have spearheaded multiple fundraising initiatives.

Martha Hall – Martha is fundraising for Dogs for Good for the second year in a row. She started off with walking 50 miles across May to raise money in memory of her Mum who passed away in 2023, with a goal to overcome her disability and raise £5,000 so she can name a dog in memory of her mum, Libbi.

Mary Lamb – Mary has been fundraising ever since she got her first assistance dog many years ago. She has been an amazing supporter of Dogs for Good, raising awareness about the charity, and along with her assistance dog Sheldon is doing the 3 peaks challenge in her wheelchair, the first woman in a wheelchair to do this.

Sarah Carr – Sarah has volunteered for the charity for 30 years and has been involved with all aspects of fundraising, raising awareness, and even wrote a book about the history of the charity. Sarah has a huge list of contacts due to her many year’s involvement in a variety of different roles with the charity including as a puppy socialiser, founder member, chair and treasurer of a support group, plus as a registered speaker.

‘Other’

Catherine Noel – Catherine is a volunteer reception team member and also assists with gathering information for the charity’s Puppy Partners Sponsorship Programme. Catherine is also a volunteer boarder herself and so has the skills and knowledge to communicate with other socialisers.

Puppy Volunteer of the Year

Davina and Steve Williams – Davina and Steve have been puppy socialisers for many years, and have successfully socialised six Dogs for Good puppies that have been allocated to clients. They have adapted their home to make it dog friendly and with keenness, keep in touch with other socialisers and temporary boarders.

Emma Price – Emma is a star volunteer and is dedicated to attending every Dogs for Good event, representing the charity perfectly. Emma is now socialising her seventh puppy, all of which have done brilliantly in their roles.

Len Tunnicliffe – Len has been a puppy socialiser and brood stock holder for many years, and is currently looking after a number of dogs. In the last 12 months he has raised two litters of puppies with his current Dogs for Good dogs. Len has supported the charity through fundraising to name two puppies in his wife’s memory.

Pearl Watts – Pearl goes above and beyond to help Dogs for Good board young puppies, including those who have health issues. This year, Pearl has supported a number of puppies that required a patient volunteer to give each puppy specialist care and love, giving each one the best possible chance in life.

Volunteer Speaker of the Year

Shaun Todd – Shaun is the volunteer fundraiser and speaker for West Oxfordshire. He spent lockdown researching and purchasing vintage items to create a new talk on the history and etiquette of afternoon tea that he could deliver to Women’s Institutes to raise awareness and donations for Dogs for Good.

Andrea Cullen, Beryl and Dave Rounsely, Helen Butcher, Annie Rourke, Lindsay Jones, Yvonne Hallows, Katy Nayler, John Hawthorn, Bridget Jeffery, Ed Garland, Peter Everett, and Desna McAll

Puppy Volunteer

Andrea Cullen – Andrea is a Breed Stock Holder, caring for the brood bitch in her home as they prepare to give birth to their litter, and has been responsible for a number of litters of puppies throughout the years.

Beryl and Dave Rounsley – Beryl and Dave have been active volunteers for many years, both as puppy socialisers and boarders. They recently took on their 20th puppy to socialise for the charity, which is an incredible achievement.

Helen Butcher – Helen has been volunteering since 2015 and has dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to the charity, caring for broods and socialising and boarding over 35 dogs in her home.

Fundraiser or Supporter Group Volunteer

Annie Rourke – Annie has been the driving force behind the Milton Keynes Supporter Group, pretty much running the fundraising team single handedly. She has been the group’s main contact with other organisations they have collaborated with and has made cards and crafts to sell on stalls at various events to help with fundraising.

Lindsay Jones – Lindsay is one of the charity’s youngest volunteers, developing her relationship with Dogs for Good through her parents becoming volunteer puppy socialisers. Lindsay’s skills as a successful fundraiser and speaker enable her to engage with diverse audiences and spread the word about the charity and the important work that they do even wider.

Yvonne Hallows – Yvonne is the Treasurer of the Banbury and District Supporter Group. Yvonne never stops knitting to create an array of items to sell at fundraising events, and has built a network of other crafters.

Community Impact Volunteer

Katy Nayler – Katy has been a volunteer since 2017 and held a wide range of roles throughout her time with the charity. She has socialised and boarded dogs, been an active fundraiser and speaker and is always looking for ways to share the work of the charity.

John Hawthorn – John has been a volunteer since 2020, is an active member of the Warwickshire and Coventry Supporter Group, giving talks to the local community and taking part in many fundraising events. Thanks to John’s influence, a local school has raised over £10,000 for Dogs for Good.

Bridget Jeffery – Bridget is a retired occupational therapist who volunteers her time to support the Instructor Team and their clients at Dogs for Good. The Instructor Team work with the puppy trainers to match dogs with clients and identify any additional needs that the client might have at this time.

Dog Volunteer

Ed Garland – Ed previously volunteered as a socialiser for Dogs for Good, before becoming the inaugural kennel volunteer and an intrinsic part of the Health and Welfare team. He is a reliable volunteer, never complaining about the challenge of working with such a range of dogs.

Peter Everett – Peter has been a volunteer driver for over 11 years, taking trips all over the country to transport dogs to their new homes. He is well known to staff and other volunteers for his dedication to the organisation and is a true asset to the team of drivers.

Volunteer Speaker

Desna McAll – Desna has been a speaker and fundraiser for Dogs for Good since 2014, joining the charity after hearing about their work with individuals suffering from dementia at Crufts. She has taken part in a number of fundraising events to support their work and raised vital funds.