A former University of Chester student has been named as Volunteer of the Year at the Third Sector Awards for her long-standing commitment to a national children’s charity.

Alice Walker-Shakespeare, 21, was a young carer for her mother and brothers and visited Chicks, which provides respite breaks for disadvantaged children across the UK, as a child.

She has since volunteered at 13 retreats to give children the same, incredible and life-changing experience she had.

Alice Walker-Shakespeare in volunteer mode

Alice said: “Being a young carer meant that I had to mature a lot quicker than most children at my age, it was a lot of pressure. My break at Chicks meant that I could escape that for a week.

“I met children in the same position as me, enjoyed a huge range of activities and most of all experienced freedom.

“I wanted to give back to Chicks and give some very deserving children a very special week. My first week back was amazing – better than I’d remembered as a child.”

Since that first week, she has not looked back. Alice was overjoyed to have been nominated for the award so could not believe it when her name was announced as the winner.

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Alice added: “It was a fabulous evening with lots of deserving volunteers, I was in shock when my name was read out – it’s a fantastic feeling! I’m thrilled to have won, Chicks has really changed my life and I’m pleased to be representing the charity on a national level.”

Head of fundraising and communications at Chicks, Tim Bunting said: “We’re delighted that Alice’s efforts have been nationally recognised. She’s supported over 200 disadvantaged children and has become an invaluable supporter of the charity.

“Alice has raised hundreds of pounds for Chicks through fundraising activities. Her work as an ambassador, speaking at events and helping to spread the good work Chicks does has also been immensely valuable – she thoroughly deserves this win, we’re so proud of her.”