BURNHAM-ON-SEA volunteers were recently presented with an award from Denise Timmins, DBS Officer for South Somerset Association for Volunteering & Community Action.

Mike and Denice Perrin, volunteers for St. Margaret’s Hospice, won the Sedgemoor Star Volunteer Award, and they will also be put forward for a chance to win the overall Somerset Star Volunteer, presented later this year.

St. Margaret’s Hospice relies on over 1,200 volunteers to help care for over 3,200 people every year across Somerset.

Julie Draper, Community Fundraiser for the Sedgemoor area said: “We often come across selfless supporters and generosity is a trait common to many people that we encounter.

In some people this wonderful quality is further enhanced by loyalty, dedication and creativity.

Mike & Denice Perrin of Burnham on Sea have all those qualities and more, from attending car boot sales to spending December dressed as Santa, Mike and Denice really have gone above and beyond for St. Margaret’s.”

Mike and Denice started volunteering for St. Margaret’s Hospice in 2000, Denice as a volunteer in the Burnham on Sea shop, and Mike was one of the volunteer drivers.

Over the years they have become more heavily involved with the charity and also joined the fundraising team in Burnham on Sea.

From 2004 to 2012 they lit their home up with a fantastic array of Christmas lights and decorations as well as making annual appearances as Santa Claus & Mrs Claus.

They have organised the duck race, held stalls at fayres and fetes, attended car boot sales and emptied collection boxes.

Julie added: “Everyone at St. Margaret’s is so grateful to them for giving so much of their time. Over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for which we are truly grateful.”

Ann Lee, Chief Executive of St. Margaret’s said: “Mike and Denise are inspirational – their dedication is incredible and they truly deserve this award.