Wellingborough 'exceptional' volunteer Scott awarded for being best of British citizens

Scott Fitzsimmons currently volunteers for six different groups, committees and organistations
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A Wellingborough man who just wants to be 'helpful' has been honoured for his services to volunteering.

Scott Fitzsimmons, from Kiln Way has received a British Citizen Award in recognition of his endeavours after being nominated by his wife Jaime for his 'exceptional' work.

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The couple travelled to London where they were treated to afternoon tea, an open-top bus sight-seeing tour followed by a presentation ceremony in the Palace of Westminster.

l-r Michael Underwood, Scott Fitzsimmons BCAv, and Jan Hemstockl-r Michael Underwood, Scott Fitzsimmons BCAv, and Jan Hemstock
l-r Michael Underwood, Scott Fitzsimmons BCAv, and Jan Hemstock

Former lorry driver Scott, who currently volunteers for six different organisations, said: "As a volunteer you can make a difference. Whatever I'm involved in I like to see a change but if there's no change I move on."

Wife Jaime felt compelled to nominate her husband for the award after she saw it advertised online.

The couple, who are both 42, have five children ranging in age from seven to 21 years old.

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She said: "I'm always looking for things to nominate him for. I'm very proud of him.

Scott works to improve life for residents on two estates in WellingboroughScott works to improve life for residents on two estates in Wellingborough
Scott works to improve life for residents on two estates in Wellingborough

"No matter where he goes he just seems to do really well. His confidence has grown with his volunteering.

"I was diagnosed with MS when I was 28 and at the time our girls were two and four and I had just had a c-section to deliver our son Jack.

"He had to look after them all because I couldn't feel any of my body for about a year. Not many partners would stick around."

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Scott’s many roles include: Trustee of Service Six who work with disadvantaged children, young people, adults and families; a volunteer with Northamptonshire Emergency Service Volunteers - helping members of the ambulance and fire services; vice-chairman of the Northamptonshire Maternity Voices Partnership - a voluntary group that works to review and contribute to the development of local maternity care; sits on the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists national voices panel; a parent governor at Earls Barton Primary School and vice-chair of the Queensway and Hemmingwell 'Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood Partnership Group set up to tackle gang culture and other issues on the estates.

Scott and wife JaimeScott and wife Jaime
Scott and wife Jaime

He can attend up to ten meetings and appointments each week and has been known to attend four meetings for separate agencies in one day.

Now in its fifth year, the British Citizen Awards recognise 'exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities'.

The medal presentation was hosted at the House of Lords by TV presenter Michael Underwood and Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, a patron of the British Citizen Award which was established in 2015.

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Each medallist receives a medal of honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and can use the BCA initials after their names.

Scott added: "I heard lots of things from the other volunteers about knife crime and gangs.

"I was inspired by the other winners' stories and it's been great to connect them.

"I volunteer because I just want to be helpful to my community."

The British Citizen Award recognises services to the community, industry, arts, education, healthcare, business, volunteering and charitable giving and international achievement.

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