Rich Wallis, from Leicester, was one of 200 people nominated to become a Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) ‘Our LCFC Champion’.

Rich has been a volunteer at Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT) for many years and now his outstanding efforts have been recognised by the local Premier League football club in their campaign – Our LCFC champion. The campaign was aimed to recognise Foxes fans that have gone above and beyond in helping to spread kindness to people everywhere.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Rich was a volunteer driver transporting LPT patients between their homes and LPT sites but this was suspended due to the risk of Covid-19. However, Rich has been kept busy and is now volunteering by delivering medical supplies from LPT pharmacy services directly to patients.

Rich was nominated by a friend who said:

“He thoroughly enjoys his time volunteering as he gets to meet patients, new and old, and over recent weeks has been delivering urgent medical supplies and driving up to 160 miles a day.

“Rich is a happy individual who loves to interact with people (socially distanced of course!), especially the vulnerable and isolated members of society who would not otherwise be able to access their medication due to poor health or disability.

Humbled by the nomination, Rich, an Armed Forces veteran said:

“I could not sit at home and do nothing through this pandemic and after my normal patient transport volunteer role was suspended, I was delighted when LPT said they had a volunteer role delivering medicines.

“I have suffered with the some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and have an awareness of feeling isolated. I am sure that the pandemic has magnified isolation for a number of patients and I wanted to help where I could. I love the role and it’s great that I get the opportunity to play my part at such a hard time for the community.

Rich Wallis will receive a video from the LCFC manager, Brendan Rogers, as a prize for being nominated.

For more information about volunteering at LPT, please visit: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/get-involved/volunteering/