This was an award tinged with sadness because the winner is no longer with us. Inspirational Pat Simmons won her regional Volunteer STAR Award for her years of hard work at the Trust's Disability Action Centre in Neath.
"Pat deserved to be acknowledged for all her hard work. She was an absolute gem and a lesson to us all, she'll be greatly missed," said Shaw Trust colleague Mary Simpson who nominated her.
Sadly, the 63 year old mother and grandmother is no longer with us, after losing her long battle with cancer. But for her courage, strength of character, caring nature, cheerful disposition and last but not least, all her years of hard work for Shaw Trust, she will never be forgotten.
Pat worked at the DAC for the past seven years in a variety of departments, carrying out all kinds of tasks. She was unfailingly helpful, kind and cheerful, despite battling the cancer which recently returned. Right up to the end Pat continued to work, because she loved helping others.
Pat's daughters Sharon and Lianne collected Pat's award, "I know it would have meant a lot to mum, not so much for herself, as she never sought personal accolade, but for the recognition it gives to the hard work done by all the team at the Llandarcy office," said
