12 Oct 2026 Volunteer News

Help proud The Kirkwood volunteer Jeremy become Huddersfield’s Volunteer of the Year

A much loved volunteer who has dedicated over four years to supporting The Kirkwood's Huddersfield shop is hoping to be crowned Volunteer of the Year after being shortlisted for a prestigious town centre award.

Jeremy Hoy has been nominated in the Volunteer of the Year category at the Huddersfield BID High Street Heroes Awards 2026, which celebrates the incredible individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive difference to businesses, organisations and communities across Huddersfield town centre.

The awards recognise the dedication, hard work and kindness of people working and volunteering throughout Huddersfield, shining a spotlight on those who make the town centre a welcoming and vibrant community.

Now, The Kirkwood is calling on supporters, customers and the wider Kirklees community to get behind Jeremy and help him secure the award, with public voting open until Sunday 25th October 2026.

For more than four years, Jeremy has been a familiar and friendly face in The Kirkwood's Huddersfield shop, bringing enthusiasm, positivity and a willingness to help wherever he can. From supporting the shop team with everyday tasks to ensuring local people have access to affordable books, Jeremy's contribution has made him an invaluable member of The Kirkwood movement.

Huddersfield Shop Manager Maxine Wallis, who nominated Jeremy for the award, believes his dedication and infectious personality make him a deserving winner. Maxine said: "I nominated Jeremy Hoy for Volunteer of the Year because he is an inspiration to everyone. Jeremy's enthusiasm to help The Kirkwood begins the minute he arrives at the shop. His cheerful and friendly personality lights up the shop and makes everyone feel happy. Jeremy has been volunteering at the Huddersfield shop for over four years and says it has given him a real sense of purpose whilst giving something back to the community. Jeremy is very proud of his voluntary work and that every task can help support the incredible work that The Kirkwood provides for local people."

One of Jeremy's main responsibilities involves helping to keep the Book Exchange at Huddersfield Bus Station stocked with recycled books, allowing people travelling through the town centre to discover their next great read. Working alongside another volunteer every Monday and Thursday morning, Jeremy collects books from The Kirkwood shop and takes them to the bus station, where he enjoys meeting and chatting with members of the public.

Maxine explained: "Jeremy's main role is to provide books for the Book Exchange at Huddersfield Bus Station, which he thoroughly enjoys. Each Monday and Thursday morning, along with another volunteer, he ensures the shelves are full by taking recycled books from the shop up to the bus station and chatting to people, enjoying their company, a good read and a bargain."

However, Jeremy's contribution extends far beyond his work with the Book Exchange. He also plays an important part in the day to day running of the shop, helping staff prepare donated items for sale and ensuring the team has everything needed to keep operations running smoothly. Maxine continued: "Jeremy's other duties include supporting staff, labelling up stock such as sweets, incense sticks and Christmas cards. He also ensures coat hangers are in constant supply so the processing of stock runs efficiently."

Living with mild Down's Syndrome has never stopped Jeremy from embracing new opportunities, with his determination and independence extending beyond his volunteering responsibilities.

Maxine added: "Jeremy doesn't let his mild Down's Syndrome stop him from achieving his full potential, as he regularly travels abroad to meet up with family members."

For The Kirkwood, volunteers like Jeremy play an essential role in helping the charity continue providing vital care and support for people living with life limiting illnesses, their families and loved ones across Kirklees. Every hour Jeremy gives, every book he delivers and every customer he welcomes contributes to a much bigger movement of people coming together to make a difference.

Reflecting on Jeremy's nomination, Maxine said: "We are so proud of Jeremy and the contribution he makes to our shop and The Kirkwood movement. It is a pleasure and uplifting experience having this lovely volunteer on our team."

With Jeremy now among the shortlisted nominees, The Kirkwood hopes the local community will show its appreciation for his years of dedication by supporting him in the public vote.

Voting is open until Sunday 25th October 2026, and supporters can cast their vote by visiting the Huddersfield BID High Street Heroes Awards website, selecting the Volunteer of the Year category and choosing Jeremy Hoy.

Help us celebrate Jeremy's incredible contribution and give him the recognition he deserves. Vote for Jeremy today!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR JEREMY