Individual Volunteer

The judges found it incredibly difficult to select just one individual’s outstanding contribution, and so awarded two joint winners in this category: Taran Wilkhu from Nomura for his work with the Josh Lewsey Rugby Academy and Laura Louise White from UBS for her involvement in Shoreditch Games.

Nomura volunteers are an integral part of delivering the highly successful Josh Lewsey Rugby Academy in Tower Hamlets and Taran must be singled out for all he has done in working behind the scenes, promoting the programme, managing the volunteers and ensuring engaging and enjoyable training sessions take place. Nomura volunteers also act as positive role models to the 100 plus children that take place and Taran maintained his focus on the project in the midst of the Lehman Brothers’ takeover.

Laura-Louise White has been a part of a large team of volunteers who have helped deliver the Shoreditch Games over the past three years. She was instrumental in encouraging her department at UBS to create a flagship community event which became the Shoreditch Games. Laura’s personal commitment, leadership and determination to have a positive impact on the young participants is exemplary, she competes every year and has raised over £30,000 towards the project.