Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025: VOTE NOW for your volunteer of the year!
VOTE for your volunteer of the year by midnight on Monday, March 24!
READ the shortlist in full.
Juan de Dios Robinson
AT sixteen years old, a devastating earthquake changed the course of Juan De Dios Robinson’s life.
Witnessing the destruction firsthand, he chose to stop attending school and instead dedicate his time to helping survivors. This experience ignited a passion for humanitarian surgery that has driven his career ever since.
Now a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Robinson has volunteered with Médecins Sans Frontières, the World Health Organisation, and UK Med, bringing his skills to some of the world’s most dangerous regions including Afghanistan, Iraq and most recently Ukraine.
He said: “When that earthquake hit in Mexico, it felt like a nuclear bomb had gone off. I saw how little help there was to cope with the aftermath; it changed me forever. My uncle was an orthopaedic surgeon and I decided to follow him. The time I spent in Afghanistan over the years showed me that we all go to help with a great heart, but very little knowledge.”
Beyond his fieldwork, Mr Robinson volunteers as an Advanced Trauma Life Support instructor, training junior doctors and war surgeons to manage trauma to high standards.”
John MacKintosh and Sheena Wallace
“A SHINING example of community spirit in action,” is the description given to Moray charity shop volunteers Sheena Wallace and John MacKintosh.
It’s said that the duo, who are firm fixtures at Cancer Research UK in Elgin, foster a sense of hope, compassion and connection in the community showing the true power of collective action while inspiring others to give back.
They’ve recently been recognised at the Scottish Charity Awards.
Sheena said: “Being a volunteer is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I used to be a psychiatric nurse and I loved that because we got to spend time supporting people; the shop is similar, sometimes people come in for a wee blether and we’re a bit of company for them. It’s as much about community as it is about supporting the charity.”
John, who has raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK, added: “I’ve been a volunteer at the shop for 27 years. I did shift work at the local whisky distilleries so I often had time on my hands during the day. Being a volunteer became a hobby.”
Graeme Gordon
BROTHERLY love and friendship were central to a Moray man’s decision to volunteer with HM Coastguard for more than 40 years.
Graeme Gordon is station officer at Burghead and he has also volunteered for the Red Cross.
He said: “My brother and a lot of my mates were working at sea and knowing how to help them out if they ever got into difficulty seemed like the right thing to do. I became a joiner after school and my boss was in charge of the coastguard team, so before I gave it any more thought I was signed up!”
Graeme’s nomination said: “His dedication to his role is unparalleled. Graeme’s wealth of knowledge, patience and commitment have made him a pillar of strength. Whether coordinating rescues or assisting with training, his calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to lead and guide others have saved lives on many occasions. His consistent selflessness, willingness to go above and beyond, and his compassionate nature truly embody the spirit of a local hero.”
It concluded: “Graeme would never seek recognition for what he regards as ‘just getting on with the job’, but is very deserving of recognition for his efforts.”
Graeme has been shortlisted for two Heroes awards: emergency services and volunteer of the year.
The award for volunteer of the year is sponsored by Robertson
Ian Phillips, managing director, Robertson Northern, said: “Robertson is delighted to be sponsoring the award for volunteer of the year at Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025. “Volunteers make such a vital contribution to our communities and a huge difference to the lives of so many people that really depend on their support. Often the unsung heroes in communities, volunteers work behind the scenes helping to run and organise events and activities, or support individuals and families who would really struggle without them.
“Please vote for the volunteers in your community and help shine a light on these dedicated and hard-working individuals who generously give up their time to help others.”
