Volunteer Hero Awards 2025

Allan Jordan

Allan embodies everything it means to be an Oxfam steward. Friendly, calm, and endlessly helpful, he creates a welcoming atmosphere wherever he’s placed, even in the most challenging conditions. Whether managing busy campsites in extreme heat, solving complex parking and space issues, or supporting fellow volunteers, Allan leads with warmth, empathy, and good humour.

He consistently goes above and beyond, from helping campers settle in and easing stressful situations, to driving an injured volunteer four hours home to ensure they were safe.

Allan has a natural ability to make people feel included and supported, often turning difficult moments into positive, memorable experiences. Known across the Oxfield for his clear communication, problem-solving skills, and people-first approach, Allan doesn’t just support the team, he lifts it.

Marcus Shreeve

Marcus is an exceptional supervisor whose care, organisation, and leadership consistently leave a lasting impact on everyone he works with. He is widely praised by both supervisors and stewards for his passion, empathy, and dedication to ensuring every team member feels seen, heard, and supported.

Highly organised and attentive to detail, Marcus takes the time to speak with each individual, making sure roles are clearly understood and that wellbeing is prioritised, from regular check-ins to ensuring proper breaks and hydration. Approachable and energising, he motivates his teams with positivity and encouragement, creating a supportive and productive working environment.

Lisa Jarvis

Lisa is a deeply supportive and compassionate supervisor who consistently puts people first. She shows genuine understanding and care, particularly when supporting volunteers with health needs, creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Kind, considerate, and always on point, Lisa’s calm and thoughtful approach makes a real difference to those she works with and reflects the very best of Oxfam’s values.

Will Alexander and Ella Iles

Will and Ella rescued a stuck and dehydrated racing pigeon while volunteering at Boomtown, caring for it while on shift by providing water and a fan to cool it down.

They were able to get hold of the owner who came to pick the pigeon up, all the way from Portsmouth to Winchester.

Chris Hall

Chris is and has been a passionate and fantastic campaigner for Oxfam for more than a decade. No matter the campaign he brings his all to fighting for change, platforming voices and supporting others on the team.

Rich Watkins

Rich has been a campaigner for two years, but in that time has shown himself to be an invaluable campaigner and team member. His joy, humour and care are infectious. He brings passion to his campaigning, but also into lifting up those around him.

Charlie Hothersall-Thomas

On arrival day, Charlie went out of his way to welcome new volunteers, taking time to orientate them, show them where to camp, and help them feel at home.

During a highly stressful moment, when a volunteer’s van broke down at the festival gates, Charlie stepped in immediately, offering reassurance, practical support, and determination. He not only helped get the van moving and safely into the Oxfield under extremely challenging conditions, but stayed in contact with the volunteer throughout the day and over subsequent repairs, ensuring they felt supported and never alone.

CJ Brown

In 2025, CJ completed an outstanding 22 shifts across 10 festivals and day events!

Originally named the Living Oxfam’s Values Award, this award has been renamed to honour a beloved friend who we lost last year.

Ruth joined us at the beginning of the season and went on to receive multiple nominations in recognition of the extraordinary impact she had on those around her.

Ruth was a cornerstone of the Oxfam festival community for over two decades and a true embodiment of the spirit of the Oxfamily. From her early work in the Bristol office to her central role in festival registration and accessibility, Ruth’s dedication, care, and quiet professionalism shaped the experience of countless volunteers.

Ruth was endlessly knowledgeable, approachable, and generous with her time, always ensuring new and returning stewards felt welcome, supported, and confident. She mentored others with calm reassurance, never judging mistakes and always leading by example in how an Oxfam steward should represent themselves. Known for her patience, kindness, wisdom, and wicked sense of humour, Ruth made people feel valued and at home.

Ruth’s impact is deeply felt across the Oxfam community. She stood for dignity, inclusion, and compassion, and her legacy lives on through the many volunteers she supported, inspired, and called friends.

Dean Pomeroy

Dean was the most nominated individual this season, earning him the Steward’s Choice Award in recognition of the outstanding impact he had on those around him.

Dean is an exceptional supervisor who brings energy, care, and professionalism to every shift. Leading the North Gate, he ensured not only that operations ran smoothly during busy periods, but that every volunteer felt supported, safe, and valued.

Attentive to both physical wellbeing and morale, Dean regularly checked in with his team, making sure everyone had water, sunscreen, hot drinks, and even the occasional sweet treat to keep spirits high. He took time to speak with individuals, noticing when someone might need a moment of encouragement, and creating an atmosphere where volunteers felt genuinely looked after.

Experienced and highly skilled, Dean shared practical guidance on managing challenging situations and engaging positively with festival-goers, helping to create a smooth, welcoming experience at the gate. His clear briefings, contagious enthusiasm, and people-first approach set the tone for a positive and professional environment. By the end of the festival, volunteers left not only proud of the work they’d done, but grateful for the supportive and uplifting leadership Dean provided.