Ilkley charity’s volunteer wins special award

Sophie (on left) receiving her award from the charity’s manager Lucy Steer

A volunteer with Ilkley Good Neighbours has won the charity’s first Hidden Hero award for her good work.     

Sophie van Berckel began volunteering back in 2012 when the charity put out a request to the local community to help vulnerable individuals with shopping during periods of snow and ice. She continued helping in this way until 2020, when the arrival of Covid necessitated many of the volunteers to shield, at which point Sophie stepped in to help with a couple of clients, one of which became a long-term match.

When the pandemic restrictions were lifted, she continued with delivering her shopping, spending time each week chatting with her, until the client moved into a care home five years later.

Ilkley Good Neighbours manager Lucy Steer said:

“By this time Sophie had formed a strong bond with the client, and continued to keep in touch with her.

“When Sophie decided that she didn’t want to commit to another regular client, but still wanted to support our charity, she took on the task last January of organising a ceilidh to raise money for two charities, Good Neighbours being one of them. As she is a highly organised individual, she planned, organised, catered and hosted the event with seemingly effortless ease. The event was a great success raising over £2000 for each charity. We are really grateful to Sophie for all her efforts, and this award is just one of the ways to reflect that.”

The Hidden Hero award includes a hotel stay for two through Room to Reward.

Sophie said:

“I am very grateful to my friends who worked with me on the fundraiser, and to the local supporters who came together to raise money for a great local organisation.

“Volunteering for a charity such as Ilkley Good Neighbours is both rewarding and joyous, and through it I’ve met many lovely people.”

Ilkley and District Good Neighbours offer a range of social and practical support for older and more vulnerable members.  To find out more about volunteering, or making a donation, contact 01943 609906.