Volunteer Tony is up for national award

PDSA Lisburn store volunteer Tony McCrory.

Tony McCrory began volunteering for PDSA on Market Place over two years ago, following in the footsteps of his wife and son who also help out in the shop.

Mature law student Tony, (46) is up against three other hopefuls from across the UK in the coveted ‘Retail Volunteer’ category.

Lynsey Dayan, Shop Manager for PDSA, nominated Tony for the award. She said: “Tony is a priceless member of the team – he has keep the wheels oiled and spirits high and is a perfect example of why our volunteers are our stars.

“Tony is a skilled people person and a natural trainer, so he spends lots of time with new volunteers, teaching them the ropes and infusing them with his enthusiasm.

“He sets a superb example with his organisation and dedication and I am thrilled that he’s been shortlisted. I hope he brings home the gong – he deserves it.”

Speaking about his nomination, Tony said: “I am utterly speechless – I truly believe that I am just a part of a fantastic team of wonderful, hard-working people that care deeply for PDSA.

“I chose PDSA for a very personal reason. My son has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and my wife and I felt that he needed to have more social contact.

“A friend of the family told us about how she’d volunteered for PDSA and loved it. My wife and son decided to give it a go.

“The staff and other volunteers there were brilliant with my son and did wonders for his self-confidence and social skills. So in order to thank them for this I felt the best thing I could do was to offer them my own time. My dad has since joined the volunteer ranks too.”

PDSA, which provides free veterinary treatment to the sick and injured pets of people in need, has over 4,000 volunteers helping in its charity shops, Pet Hospitals and fundraising groups across the country. Together these generous volunteers help save PDSA a staggering £12.7 million per year.

To join PDSA’s volunteering team or to find out more about helping pets in need, contact the National Volunteering Centre on freephone 0800 854 194 or visit www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteers

The PDSA Volunteer Awards are now in their thirteenth year and are supported by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Pets at Home. The shortlisted volunteers will be judged on their commitment to PDSA and enthusiasm for their roles. Winners will be announced in the New Year.