A woman from Ipswich has been honoured during Volunteers Week by lung health charity Asthma + Lung UK, in recognition of her tireless community engagement work to support people living with lung conditions.
Bethany Pattinson received the Asthma + Lung UK Compassionate Thinker Award at the charity’s annual volunteer conference [on 4th June] for her inspirational and dedicated work to support people with lung conditions and raise awareness in her community.
After being diagnosed with a lung condition two years ago, Bethany contacted the Asthma + Lung UK helpline and found the help and advice she got especially helpful. Inspired by the support she received, Bethany became a volunteer ambassador for the leading lung health charity in October 2023 to support others facing similar challenges.
In her volunteer role, Bethany has dedicated herself to engaging online audiences and working with local groups to raise awareness of Asthma + Lung UK in Ipswich.
From reaching out to local primary schools to tell them about the charity’s Clean Air Champions project, to visiting pharmacies to share resources about lung conditions and building relationships with GP practices, Bethany has built important connections in her community. Her work has helped to ensure that people affected by lung conditions have access to vital resources and information about support available to them. Bethany also joined sessions at local pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), to talk to them about the support and resources available from Asthma + Lung UK.
Lucia Ciolanel, Volunteer Engagement Manager at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Bethany has wholeheartedly embraced her role as a volunteer ambassador for Asthma + Lung UK. Through her activities and passion, she has significantly contributed to ensuring that more people with lung conditions feel seen, heard and supported. Bethany’s work in her community is invaluable and her dedication to supporting people living with lung conditions has been inspirational. This award is incredibly well deserved and our way of thanking Bethany for the time and support she has dedicated to volunteering at the charity.”
Bethany said: “Receiving the award was such an incredible honour, I was genuinely over the moon! Volunteering has been such a rewarding experience for me, and to be recognised for something I’m so passionate about was truly humbling. I’m so proud to be able to help make a difference and raise awareness for a cause that means so much. It's a reminder that even small efforts can have a big impact, and I’m grateful to be part of something so meaningful."
The Volunteer Awards at Asthma + Lung UK are a way to recognise the contributions of the exceptional volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and creativity, in serving and engaging their communities in the past year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their remarkable achievements and express gratitude for their selfless efforts in improving the lives of people living with lung conditions across the UK.
Volunteers are a vital to the work Asthma + Lung UK does to support the millions of people in the UK living with lung disease. To find out more about the ways you could get involved and join the fight for lung health, visit: Volunteer with us | Asthma + Lung UK.
-Ends-