Cardiff hospital patient turned volunteer wins prestigious national award
David White, a dedicated Patient Befriender Volunteer who is part of our Patient Experience Team with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, has been honoured with the prestigious Healthcare Volunteer of the Year award at Skills for Health’s - Our Health Heroes Awards 2025. This accolade celebrates his remarkable contribution to patient wellbeing and peer support.
David's journey is truly inspiring. After sustaining a serious brain injury in 2020, he underwent multiple operations and years of rehabilitation to relearn how to sit, walk, and use his left arm. Motivated by his own recovery, David set a goal to return to the Neuro-Rehabilitation Ward at the University Hospital of Llandough, not as a patient, but as a volunteer. His dedication to offering encouragement and hope to others on similar journeys has made a significant impact.
Since then, David has become a beloved and integral part of West 10 Ward, using his lived experience to support patients through their rehabilitation. He works closely with staff to help build patients’ confidence and wellbeing. Beyond his one-on-one support, David has organised numerous social activities to boost morale and create a sense of normality during long hospital stays. From festive celebrations to pizza and film nights, his efforts have brought joy to patients, families, and staff alike, with generous donations from businesses like Tesco and Domino’s.
David is a valued member of the Patient Experience - Voluntary Services Team, helping to shape upcoming fundraising events and acting as an ambassador to promote the value of volunteering across the health board. Upon receiving his award, David expressed his gratitude, saying, “It feels amazing to be recognised and shown appreciation for what I do.”
Angela Hughes, Assistant Director of Patient Experience at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board added, “Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication and compassion is truly inspiring.”
The Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Awards is supported by NHS England, NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services and SFJ Awards. Visit the website to find out more: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/awards
The Patient Experience Team have a range of volunteering opportunities available across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. To find out more, check out the Voluntary Services webpage: Voluntary Services - Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.