Coronation awards joy for Cardiff period poverty and youth volunteers

Molly Fenton and Samia Egeh are just two of 500 outstanding volunteers to be chosen as the nation’s Coronation Champions.

Two outstanding volunteers from Cardiff have been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, as part of the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service.

Molly Fenton, who campaigns on period poverty, and Samia Egeh, co-founder of Grangetown-based youth organisation United2change, have been recognised for their contributions and crowned Coronation Champions. This follows a call out to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103.

Both women impressed judges with their tireless commitment to their respective causes. Molly campaigns to raise awareness – and find solutions to – period poverty across the UK, while Samia helps marginalised young people have a voice in their local communities.

With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 Champions dazzled the judging panel with their work’s impact, inspirational stories, and unwavering commitment to volunteering.

All Coronation Champions, including Molly and Samia, have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.

Both women were nominated by Cardiff Councillor Sara Robinson, who represents the city’s Grangetown ward. She said:

“Samia and Molly have blown me away with their dedication to their respective causes. They work incredibly hard to pursue their goals of a fairer future for women and young people, and it was my honour to nominate them for this award. I’m so pleased that both of them have been recognised.”

Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Molly Fenton said:

“For the last four years, I’ve spent every day and multiple overnights working on LoveYourPeriod. From taking international calls in the early hours to getting period supplies to refugees and war zone, I am passionate about fighting for women’s health equality.

“It’s an honour to be named a Coronation Champion. It’s heart-warming to have my volunteering efforts recognised, but this award also recognises the work of the amazing team of volunteers I work with.”

Samia Egeh co-founded United2change to help young people influence decision-making and have a voice in their communities. The organisation works with parents and young people, mainly from ethnically diverse and disadvantaged communities.

Samia Egeh said:

“I did not expect this, but I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the United2Change team, who work hard to create better opportunities and support for young people across Cardiff.”

The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across eight award categories; supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said:

“We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended. ”

“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation, and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”

Royal Voluntary Service is immensely grateful for the generous support of brand partners Simplyhealth, for supporting the Health and Care category, Sky through its Sky Cares programme, for supporting the Community category and Petplan, for supporting the Animal Welfare category.

Those feeling inspired to try volunteering themselves are encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out on Monday, 8th May. The Big Help Out is another official Coronation project aiming to encourage newcomers to volunteering, bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, with volunteers supporting the NHS and thousands of vulnerable people in the community. The charity delivers the NHS Volunteer Responders programme for NHS England, enabled by the GoodSAM app, with volunteers responding to over 2.5 million requests for help to support approximately 220,000 people and completing over 363,000 shifts at vaccination sites. The charity also works in local communities running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport. Its Virtual Village Hall provides online activities and classes to promote wellbeing and keep people active.