A linchpin of the first responders scheme covering the Rosneath Peninsula and Garelochhead has been named Argyll and Bute’s voluteer of the year.
John Webb didn’t know that he had been chosen ahead of 59 other candidates until he arrived at the ceremony in Lochgilphead – and he was late for the event, as he had been called out to help a resident suffering chest pains.
John, of Argyll Road in Kilcreggan, said afterwards that winning he award had been a complete surprise: “I’m pleased and delighted – but the award recognises the work done by all the volunteers on the scheme, as well as other supporters who help us in a variety of ways.”
The award was made following assessment by an independent panel selected by Argyll Voluntary Action – John’s nomination also highlighted his overall community spirit, as he has helped with the village’s real ale festival as well as being treasurer of the spinners and weavers group.
Since the first responders ‘went live’ in October 2013 he has attended most of the 207 call outs, providing virtually 24-hour cover every day of the year – 9,560 hours on call of the 11,592 total since the scheme launched.
The nomination added: There is no way the group could have provided the near 24/7 level of cover for the community and been so successful without John.
“This cover has been provided at all times of day and night and in all weathers, even when the peninsula has been cut off by snow.”
John has also worked with Helensburgh Garelochside rotary club to deliver heart start training to local schools in Rosneath and Kilcreggan – and training will now also be available in Cove Burgh Hall on Monday evenings.
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