300 guests attended the Queen’s Students’ Union Volunteering Excellency Awards to celebrate the positive impact of the volunteering efforts of Queen’s students, staff, schools and alumni on the local community and the wider world.

Tricia, Senior Clerical Officer in the School of History and Anthropology, was recognised for her demanding and enterprising commitment to volunteering and the social good.

Having been engaged in volunteering for many years, Tricia has served in a number of high-profile international and a number of less visible but equally important local initiatives, including volunteering for Special Olympics Ireland since 2006, raising money for the Special Olympics World Games, and fundraising for other charities such as Cancer Research, RNIB, and NI Hospice. She has also volunteered at the 2012 London Olympics, the World Police and Fire Games, the Irish Open, Grand Fondo, Giro d'Italia, Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and The Tall Ships.

Tricia is Secretary of Neptune’s Special Olympic Club, which she established with two friends in 2012, following successful fundraising during 2007 and 2011 World Games. The Club was recently awarded Charity status and received a Club Mark in recognition for the work they do in the community for children and young adults with learning difficulties.

On receiving the award Tricia said, “Last night was a wonderful night and to be amongst really talented and inspiring young people doing such wonderful work for Queen’s or for their chosen charities was a joy. I work with a wonderful team of volunteers who all inspire me to continue to do my fundraising and volunteering and without them I would not have been able to achieve what I have.  My family and friends are proud of what I do but to be nominated for an award and to win it is indeed humbling.  I would like to thank the Student’s Union and all the staff involved in putting on the event for a truly wonderful evening and making us all feel so important.”

Professor Crawford Gribben, Head of the School of History and Anthropology, said, “Volunteering reflects a spirit of generosity and community-mindedness that is always in short supply. Tricia plays a key role in the administration of a busy School, but still finds time to raise tens of thousands of pounds to support Special Olympics, and to develop and lead a local club to help Special Olympics swimmers. We have always been proud of Tricia's achievements – and now we are delighted by her award.”

John Poole of KPMG, sponsor of the Volunteering Excellency Awards said, “KPMG is delighted to again sponsor the Volunteering Excellency Awards. As an organisation we actively encourage our people to volunteer. Spare time is often in short supply but there are many benefits to taking the time to volunteer. In addition to the sheer feel good factor of knowing you have made a difference, volunteering provides an opportunity to share expertise, develop a new skill and meet new people.”