Celebrating outstanding volunteer contributions at Marsh Trust Awards
Celebrating outstanding volunteer contributions at Marsh Trust Awards
The event was a chance to recognise the people and teams whose commitment make such a meaningful difference to life at our Cathedral.
Delivered in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, the awards celebrate our volunteers who give their time so generously, showing outstanding commitment and professionalism in supporting worshippers and helping make our events so special.
The Highly Commended awards were presented to Visitor Experience Team Leader and Wandswoman Janet Payne, and Volunteer Tour Guides Tony Hale and Jill Finch, in recognition of their outstanding work and the encouragement they give to others to grow and develop their teams.
Individual awards were presented to Volunteer Team Leader Gillian Scahill; Volunteer Tour Guide Julia Male; Visitor Welcome Volunteer Mary O’Shea; and Visitor Experience Volunteer Patrick Rice. Each were recognised for their adaptability and for the warmth and inclusivity they bring to the life of our Cathedral.
Team awards went to the Friday Visitor Experience Volunteer Team, consisting of Diana Davis, Patrice Dixon, Jill Finch, John Finn, Richard Parker, Gabrielle Porter, Penelope Rafter, Chris Redfern, Linda Shepherd, Jennifer West, Christopher Allen, Valeria Bellazzi, Devon Masarati, Michi Shimura, Tracey Abraham, Diana-Alexandra Alsobrook and Susan Tulley. They were praised for their encyclopedic knowledge of the Cathedral, multilingual expertise and supportive team culture.
The second team award went to the Luxmuralis Volunteer Team, whose flexibility and enthusiasm helped create a safe and welcoming experience for around 18,000 visitors during the after-hours spectacle. Luxmuralis team members are Julie Cook, Gail Deacon, Joanna Drake, Graham Harvey, David Hooper, Yvonne Jackamn, Diana O'Reardon, Dianne Penny, Patrick Rice, Linda Antonioni, Julia Wildgoose, Rebecca Sugden, Anne Abouchar and Sue Seward.
Emily MacKenzie, Chief Operating Officer at St Paul’s Cathedral, said:
“Our volunteers are the beating heart of Cathedral life – so much of what we do depends on their selfless contributions of time and energy. Throughout 2025, our team of over 400 volunteers were essential to delivering major services, cultural events, tours and after-hours experiences at the Cathedral, benefitting over a million visitors and worshippers.
This awards ceremony is just one way that we can thank and celebrate them for the vital important role they play in facilitating personal devotion and enjoyment of the Cathedral.”
The Marsh Charitable Trust
The Marsh Charitable Trust, founded in 1981, supports charitable organisations with core funding needs and, since 1987, has run a national awards programme celebrating the work of volunteers across the heritage, arts, social welfare and environmental sectors.
