Two Isle of Wight volunteers become Coronation Champions

Two outstanding Isle of Wight volunteers are among 500 Coronation Champions honoured by the King and Queen in the run-up to the big day next weekend.

Ben Holbrook and Ruth Hollingshead have been chosen by the Royal Voluntary Service to mark their outstanding contribution to the community over many years.

A total of 500 Coronation Champions were chosen from 5,000 nominees from across the country. 

The pair will receive a specially-designed official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.

Ben, from Lake, is one of the leading lights behind Sandown Green Town Volunteers and Sandown Carnival Association. 

The Island's Lord Lieutenant presented Ben and members of the Sandown Green Town Volunteers team with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.

Ben also 'helped' the Earl and Countess of Wessex plant a platinum jubilee rose bush on their visit to the Bay last year.

"It's an honour for me, and my family, to receive this recognition and, as part of Sandown Green Town Volunteer and carnival teams, it is very much a team effort with all volunteers caring about where we live," he said.

Ruth has volunteered for the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Macular Society for many years. 

She has acted as volunteer receptionist, fundraiser, befriender and trustee but above all giving peer support, counselling and talks to a variety of groups to raise awareness.

The Champions were chosen after consultation with the Lord Lieutenant's offices across the country.

The Island's Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon, said: "It is wonderful to have not only one, but two of the 500 coronation champions come from the Isle of Wight, and to be recognised for the excellent work they do to support our community and the people that live here. 

"Ben is a tremendous example of putting service before self, and this award recognises the difference he makes to the community he lives in.

"Ruth meanwhile, despite living without sight, has raised two amazing children, run marathons and completed a criminology degree and still had time to manage the administration of being a trustee for the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind.

"In this role she has she delivered full courses — ‘Living well with Sight Loss’ — and has been an inspiration to all who know her.

"We are all really proud of them both."