A Royal Free volunteer was "stunned" to receive recognition for her tireless work helping patients. 

Evelyn Blumenthal scooped the ‘Volunteer of the Year for England’ for her work at the Royal Free Hospital in the ‘Help Force Champions Awards’.

Volunteers care for patients with dementia, telephoning patients who risk being isolated, training volunteers, and supporting biobank research on behalf of the Pond Street hospital. 

The award celebrates those who have gone well beyond expectations in their volunteering and made a noticeable impact on staff patients and the local community.

A keen tennis player at the Globe Tennis Club, Evelyn said: “I am stunned and amazed. I never thought in a million years that I would be a winner."

Since retiring from working in a hospice, Evelyn has devoted her time to supporting the charity’s dementia companionship volunteer programme. 

She has trained volunteers and taught them the skills to visit patients with dementia or who are elderly and vulnerable to ensure they feel secure and stimulated during a hospital stay.

Evelyn also sits on a board of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust ethical biobank review and gives feedback on research applications from an ethical point of view.

Angelina, a patient who was supported by Evelyn with regular calls, said: "I had reached rock bottom and Evelyn helped me overcome it.

"She played such a huge role in my recovery and left a footprint in my heart."

Royal Free Charity chief executive Jon Spiers said: “Evelyn is a familiar face at the Royal Free Hospital and I know this award will come as no surprise to any member of staff who has had the privilege of working alongside her or any patient who has benefited from her exceptional care and compassion.

“Not only does she provide excellent care for some of our most vulnerable patients, but she also takes the time to invest in the development of new and less experienced volunteers, particularly in relation to our approach to supporting patients with dementia.

“Evelyn is a superb role model for NHS volunteers and we’re all very proud of her.”