Everton legends surprise volunteer with special community award

A dedicated Everton in the Community volunteer was left speechless after receiving a surprise visit from two Blues legends who arrived to present him with a special award.

Mark, a former teacher and long time supporter of Everton in the Community, was being interviewed as part of Volunteers’ Week when Everton ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart unexpectedly walked in to reveal he had been named Volunteer of the Year.

The surprise presentation recognised Mark’s years of dedication to the charity and the impact he has made across a number of community programmes.

Presenting the award, Graham Stuart said: “When we talk about the Everton family, we’re talking about people like you. Selfless, dedicated and always there when somebody needs help.

“That’s why we’re here to tell you that you’re Everton in the Community’s Volunteer of the Year. Congratulations. It’s thoroughly deserved.”

Mark’s connection with Everton in the Community stretches back more than 20 years. While working as a teacher at a SEND school, he first became involved through one of the charity’s disability projects.

Inspired by the work being done across the community, he later began volunteering and has since supported a number of initiatives, including The Blue Base Pantry, dementia support programme Pass on the Memories and Stand Together, which helps tackle social isolation.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mark dedicated the recognition to his late father.

He said: “I’d like to dedicate this to my father, who I lost in September, who said in his typical Yorkshire way, ‘Don’t complain about community and society unless you’re prepared to get up and do something about it’.”

Following the presentation, Mark gave the Everton legends a tour of The Blue Base Pantry, which was created to help tackle food insecurity in the Liverpool 4 area.

Kevin Tarpey, assistant at the pantry, described Mark as a key part of the project’s success.

He said: “His commitment and everything about him really, the way he interacts with our other volunteers and participants, is just first class. He’ll do anything for you.”

Mark is one of more than 160 volunteers who help deliver over 50 programmes run by Everton in the Community across Liverpool and beyond.

Their work supports thousands of people every year, helping to build stronger communities and create brighter futures throughout the region.

Get the latest from Everton in the Community here.

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