John Roberts, from Irlam, has been awarded the Heart of Salford Personal Achievement Volunteer Award.

Barbara nominated John for the award in recognition of the work he does, despite his own health challenges, to raise awareness of kidney disease and to encourage people to become organ donors. John volunteers with two kidney disease charities -; Kidney Research UK and British Kidney Patient Association

The Heart of Salford Awards are Salford CVS and Volunteer Centre Salford’s annual award ceremony to celebrate the great contribution made by volunteers and organisations in Salford.

The Personal Achievement Volunteer Award recognises individuals who have overcome personal or practical difficulties on order to volunteer. The award was named in memory of Josie Browne, a local campaigner on disability issues.

Barbara said:

“This is great news, because John really deserves this Heart of Salford Personal Achievement Volunteer Award.

“John has a rare and severe form of polycystic kidney disease which is a painful condition and he needs a lifesaving kidney transplant.

“Despite his illness, John has been a great advocate for kidney patients, campaigning and helping with campaign work both in Salford and across the country.

“The Heart of Salford Awards recognise the important work that volunteers, like John, do across Salford. Congratulations to John on winning this award, and congratulations also to all the other award winners and nominees at this year’s Heart of Salford awards.

“It is fitting that this award was awarded in memory of Josie Browne. Josie was a wonderful campaigner on disability issues and a person who always stood up for her local community throughout her life.”