Already a ward-winning hero, Wayne Cunningham shortlisted for BBC Radio Leeds Making a Difference Award 2023

Wayne Cunningham, volunteer for the Spinal Unit Recreational Fund (S.U.R.F.), has been nominated for the BBC Radio Leeds Making a Difference Award 2023 in the volunteer category.

S.U.R.F. is a unique organisation run by individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries, they work exclusively with the Regional Spinal Unit at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust..

Wayne was in a car accident when he was 18 years old that left him paralysed from the neck down. He joined S.UR.F. after the founder of the charity helped him during his stay at Pinderfields Hospital.

The charity arranges day trips for the patients on the ward which helps build their confidence in accessing the world after their own injury. Wayne also spends hours a week in the unit and on the phone, often until late, with patients listening to their worries and concerns and helping guide them at their most difficult time.

Described as the “heart of the ward” by colleagues on the Unit, Wayne’s intimate connection with the challenges and needs of spinal injury patients sets S.U.R.F. volunteers apart, as they possess a depth of understanding that comes from personal experience.

Wayne's own difficult journey, which he openly shares, from being a patient himself to becoming a volunteer speaks volumes about his resilience and determination to give back to a community he knows closely.

Wayne describes the spinal unit at Pinderfields as his sanctuary that he “owes everything to”, and states S.U.R.F. “does more for me than I do for S.U.R.F.”.

Although humble, his dedication to improving the welfare and care of those who have suffered spinal cord injuries is a testament to his strength of character and his unyielding commitment to making a positive difference.

Being nominated for the BBC Radio Leeds Making a Difference Award is a well-deserved recognition of Wayne's outstanding contributions. His story serves as an inspiration not only to those who have experienced similar challenges but to anyone seeking to find purpose and meaning through volunteer work. Wayne’s journey from adversity to advocacy reminds us that even in the face of life's most daunting challenges, one person's determination can spark a ripple effect of positive change.

The winner of the category will be announced at the celebratory event on 30^th September.