A doctor, an office volunteer and two tea ladies were among the everyday heroes to be honoured in the Diabetes UK South West Inspire Awards at the Castle Hotel in Taunton.

Individuals and groups from all over the south west joined the celebration to be recognised for their hard work in volunteering for the charity.

Dr Alex Bickerton, a diabetes specialist at Yeovil Hospital, won the Campaigning and Raising Awareness Award for his work to improve diabetes care in Somerset.

Somerset County Gazette: Dr Alex Bickerton

The Supporting Diabetes UK Award went to Sarah Green, who gives invaluable administrative support to the charity’s south west team based in Taunton.

Joint winners of the Supporting Others Award were Gillian Epton and Jean Duddridge, who run a monthly coffee morning at Exeter Cathedral, dispensing hot drinks and diabetes information.

Other awards were presented for fundraising, local and community group, reaching out and connecting to people with diabetes, young people’s outstanding contribution, and long service.

Somerset County Gazette: Inspirational diabetes volunteers honoured at Taunton awards

Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK South West regional head, said: “Through our Inspire Awards we were able to thank our fantastic volunteers and shine a light on the positive difference they make to the lives of people living with diabetes.”

To find out more about volunteering for Diabetes UK in the south west, email south.west@diabetes.org or call 01823 448260.