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Home - News - Coronation award joy for the Commissioner’s Director of Public Confidence   

2 May, 2023

Coronation award joy for the Commissioner’s Director of Public Confidence   

Amanda Wilkinson - Coronation Champion
Amanda Wilkinson, Director of Public Confidence at the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Office in North Yorkshire and parkrun UK volunteer from Teesside, is one of 500 outstanding volunteers to be chosen as the nation’s Coronation Champions.

Her volunteer work with parkrun has been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service.

This follows a call out to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103.

Coronation badge

Amanda impressed judges with her dedication in facilitating parkrun to those currently serving prison sentences, by setting up parkrun’s inside several prisons in the North East of England.

Whilst Amanda regularly volunteers, she specifically spends hundreds of hours volunteering within her local prisons (namely HMP Kirklevington Grange and HMP Holme House), supporting offenders by hosting weekly parkrun events facilitated with the local prison gym teams – which ultimately benefits not only their physical health but importantly their mental health and wellbeing.

With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 Champions dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering.

All Coronation Champions, including Amanda, have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.

Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Amanda Wilkinson said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be named a Coronation Champion. Volunteering is my absolute passion and being able to support offenders and see them turn things around is incredibly rewarding. Having the support of the prison service in hosting these events is crucial, so I would like to particularly thank them for their continued support.”   

North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commission Zoe Metcalfe said:

“This award demonstrates how Amanda goes above and beyond even outside of her workplace, to make a difference to people’s lives in her own time. Facilitating parkrun within prison environments has taken a lot of heart and the support it gives to prisoners is remarkable and contributes to the prevention of re-offending. My Office and I are immensely proud and will continue to celebrate Amanda’s achievements both as my Director of Public Confidence and as a parkrun UK volunteer.”

The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across eight award categories; supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.