Volunteering Excellence in Stamford: The 2026 Suzi Wheatley Award Goes to Viv Higgins

Every year at Evergreen Care Trust, we come together to honour one extraordinary volunteer whose kindness, commitment and selfless service have made a lasting difference in the lives of older people in our community. This special recognition — the Suzi Wheatley Award — carries a story of friendship, faithfulness and the kind of everyday generosity that helped shape Evergreen into the charity it is today.

This year, at our Volunteers’ Celebration BBQ, we were delighted to present the award to Viv Higgins for her outstanding contribution to Evergreen. Viv supports our Befriending service, plays a vital role in our weekly Friends Together Group, and consistently goes above and beyond to make sure our members feel valued, connected and cared for. Her warmth, reliability and compassion shine through everything she does — and her nomination came from multiple members who wanted to celebrate the difference she makes.

Honouring Suzi Wheatley’s Legacy

The award is named in memory of Miss Suzanne (Suzi) Wheatley, whose kindness helped lay the foundations of Evergreen Care Trust.

In May 2005, Suzi welcomed Evergreen’s founder, Louise Marsh — who was then working from the back of her car — into the St George’s Church office to use the kettle and toilet. That simple act of generosity sparked a friendship and a long working partnership. When Evergreen opened its first office on the Stamford Hospital site in 2007, Suzi was there. Sitting in the empty room, she made a life‑changing decision: she handed in her notice and became Evergreen’s first Administrator.

For five years, Suzi worked without a salary, giving her time, skills, resources and finances to help build the charity from the ground up. Her administrative excellence, people‑focused approach and unwavering belief in Evergreen’s mission shaped the policies, practices and culture we still hold today. She helped establish Evergreen Sleaford in 2012 and Evergreen Care Bexley in 2013, and she became a much‑loved “Mum” figure to staff and volunteers — always ready with encouragement, prayer, and one of her famous hugs.

Suzi’s heart remained with Evergreen until the very end. This award honours her memory, her faithfulness, and her extraordinary service.

Louise Marsh and Suzi Wheatley, together, established the Evergreen Care Trust

Why Volunteers Like Viv Matter So Much

Evergreen supports older and vulnerable people across Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings through eight vital services — from companionship and nutrition support to advocacy, dementia‑friendly activities and community groups. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They bring friendship, stability, joy and human connection into the lives of people who may otherwise feel isolated.

Viv embodies the spirit of Evergreen: showing up with kindness, listening deeply, and offering her time in ways that make others feel seen and valued. Her commitment strengthens our community and helps ensure no one grows older alone.

Viv Higgins and runners up were awarded certificates for their excellence at the 2025 Volunteer Celebration BBQ

Looking Ahead: Supporting Healthy Ageing in Stamford

This year’s award also shines a light on the importance of healthy ageing — something Suzi championed and Viv continues to support through her work with Friends Together.

Physical activity, social connection and confidence‑building are essential for wellbeing later in life. That’s why Evergreen is launching new fitness and wellbeing classes for older residents in Stamford this September. These sessions will offer gentle movement, balance exercises, strength‑building and opportunities to connect with others — all designed to help people stay active, independent and joyful.

Viv’s dedication, and the inspiration behind the Suzi Wheatley Award, remind us how powerful community support can be in helping older people thrive.

A Heartfelt Congratulations

We extend our warmest congratulations to Viv Higgins, and our deepest gratitude to every volunteer who gives their time, energy and compassion to Evergreen. Your kindness keeps Suzi’s legacy alive and continues to shape a community where older people feel valued, supported and never alone.