A dedicated volunteer who has spent years supporting some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable residents received the surprise of a lifetime after being named Everton in the Community’s Volunteer of the Year.
Mark, a former teacher and long-standing supporter of Everton in the Community (EitC), was taking part in an interview to mark Volunteers’ Week when two Everton legends interrupted proceedings with some unexpected news.
Club ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham ‘Diamond’ Stuart arrived to personally present Mark with the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award, recognising his outstanding commitment to helping others across Liverpool and beyond.
The emotional moment highlighted the invaluable role volunteers play in supporting Everton in the Community’s programmes, which help thousands of people every year.
Everton in the Community Volunteer of the Year Recognised by Club Legends
During the surprise presentation, Graham Stuart praised Mark’s dedication and selfless service to the community.
Addressing the award winner, 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 relationship with Everton in the Community spans more than 20 years.
His journey began while working as a teacher at a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school, which partnered with the charity through one of its disability programmes.
Inspired by the positive impact he witnessed, Mark decided to dedicate his own time to supporting the organisation and has since become a familiar face across a number of its projects.
Liverpool Volunteer Helps Support Communities Across the City
Over the years, Mark has volunteered with several Everton in the Community 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 paid tribute to his late father, whose values inspired his commitment to community service.
Mark 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 accompanied Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart to The Blue Base Pantry, an initiative established to help combat food insecurity in the Liverpool 4 area.
Kevin Tarpey, Blue Pantry Assistant, described Mark as “integral” to the success of the weekly service.
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 support over 50 Everton in the Community programmes, helping the charity continue its work creating stronger communities and brighter futures across Liverpool.
For those inspired by Mark’s story, Everton in the Community offers a range of volunteering opportunities for people looking to make a positive difference in their local community.
