Dorothy Whorrall, an Aspire Volunteer IT Trainer at Southport Spinal Injury Centre, has won a Pride Award for her services in the category ‘Volunteer Unsung Hero’.

The Pride Awards took place on Friday 18th March at the Southport Convention Centre and was a glittering event which recognised and rewarded the fantastic work that Southport and Ormskirk hospital staff and volunteers do for patients year round. It is patients themselves, or their family members, who submit nominations.

Dorothy was nominated by Susan Davies whose husband Bryan was taught how to use the computer by Dorothy, using the ‘suck and blow’ system, after he was paralysed from the shoulders down in a rugby accident in 2007.

Susan says, “Prior to his accident, Bryan had no interest whatsoever in technology, especially in computers.  In fact he had never used one in his life. Through the Spinal Occupational Therapy Department, Bryan came to meet Dorothy.  Through her patience and determination, he was able to master the ‘suck and blow’ system.  I know Bryan was extremely frustrated at times but Dorothy continued to support him throughout. The use of this technology is the only thing Bryan can do independently and this would not have been possible if it were not for Dorothy.”

Dorothy has been volunteering at Southport Hospital for 12 years teaching spinal injury patients to independently use assistive technology regardless of their level of injury and says, "I was so delighted to have been nominated and then to win the award was unbelievable. Teaching spinal patients the computer is so rewarding and gives me much pleasure and satisfaction to be able to see them move on with their lives, having learnt a new skill."