Medical student recognised for improving lives

The care and commitment of a Cardiff School of Medicine student has been recognised with a top UK volunteer award from the Marsh Christian Trust.

Fifth year medical student Ben Masterman, who helps out at a Barnardo's Project for disabled children has been a volunteer with Barnardo's Community Links in Ely since July 2011. As a result of his dedication to helping and improving the lives of others, Ben has been named as the regional winner (Wales) in the Volunteer of the Year 2013 awards by the Trust.

Ben said: "I originally became a volunteer to gain experience working with children and better understand the needs of children with disabilities. I thoroughly enjoy working with children, both individually and in groups. This is a great time for me to volunteer, as life will move quite quickly after I qualify as a doctor. Volunteering with Barnardo's is an immensely rewarding and unique experience."

The Cardiff and Vale Community Links project gives disabled children a chance to get out and enjoy their leisure time and socialise outside their home.

Martine Palmer, Children's Service Manager at Community Links, said: "Ben has given so many new and exciting opportunities to the young people at our Barnardo's service. He has thought of new and exciting activities and has introduced activities they may have never thought of trying before, such as indoor climbing, go-karting and looking around car shows rooms at cars which were of an interest to one young person. He has also supported people to access sport activities such as football for young people with disabilities.

"Ben is creative and dynamic and puts a lot of energy into his role as a volunteer. He has been able to offer young males with disabilities a positive role model and helps disabled children he works with to explore what they can achieve to their full potential."

Ben's Marsh Christian Trust Award was announced at the Barnardo's Annual General meeting in London.