Celebrating Community Spirit During Volunteers’ Week
Montrose Community Trust is delighted to announce that long-serving volunteer Mike Knox has been named Volunteer of the Year at the prestigious Heart of the Community Awards, organised by Voluntary Action Angus as part of Volunteers’ Week 2026.
Held at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, the awards celebrate the outstanding contributions made by volunteers and community groups across Angus. With more than 180 nominations received, the awards recognise those who dedicate their time, energy and compassion to making a difference to the lives of others.
For everyone at Montrose Community Trust, Mike’s award comes as no surprise.
Twelve Years of Outstanding Service
Mike has been volunteering with Montrose Community Trust for the past 12 years, becoming an integral part of many of our programmes and activities. As a dedicated walk leader, he has continually developed his skills to better support participants, completing Dementia Friendly Walk Leader training, RNIB training and First Aid training.
His commitment extends far beyond organised walks. Mike regularly drives the minibus for our Montrose Connections Dementia Meeting Centre, ensuring members can attend sessions safely and comfortably. He even takes the time to clean the vehicle each week, quietly carrying out countless tasks that often go unnoticed but make a significant difference.
Alongside his work with Montrose Community Trust, Mike also supports Montrose Food Hub, assisting with collections and deliveries that help local people access essential food supplies.
His willingness to help wherever needed, combined with his genuine care for others, has made him a valued volunteer and a familiar face throughout the community.
A Humbling Recognition
Although Mike was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person, his daughter and Montrose Community Trust Operations Lead, Gemma, proudly accepted the award on his behalf.
In a heartfelt thank you, Mike reflected on his surprise at being nominated:
“My initial thought when being told I was a nominee award contender was, ‘Oh no! How did this happen?’ After getting over the initial shockwave, I thought, ‘Wow, how amazing that someone who sees what I do thought it worthy of recognition.’ It is absolutely humbling and wonderful to think the work of a volunteer has such a big impact on people’s lives.”
Mike took the opportunity to thank Voluntary Action Angus for recognising volunteers across the county and acknowledged the importance of community-led organisations in creating positive change.
“I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to be recognised for my community service. Thank you.”
Recognising Every Volunteer
True to his character, Mike wants everyone to not focus on him, but to celebrate volunteers everywhere.
“I accept this award on behalf of everyone who believes that small acts add up to real change.”
He spoke passionately about the power of volunteering and the importance of stepping forward to help others:
“To all volunteers, every time we decide to help someone, to step out of our comfort zone, good happens because of our willingness to show up.”
Mike also reflected on what community means to him:
“A community is more than just a group of people living in a particular area. A community is a group of people we lean on when times are tough; our friends, family and neighbours who are there for us when we need love, support and encouragement.”
His words perfectly capture the values that sit at the heart of Montrose Community Trust and the work carried out by volunteers across Angus every day.
A Well-Deserved Award
Mike concluded his thank you with a message that will resonate with all volunteers..
“I pray that this award shines a light on the work of all volunteers in our communities, not on me. If you want to honour this moment, find one small way to make someone’s life a little better.”
“Kindness can be as simple as a smile, a thank-you or a word of encouragement. It doesn’t have to cost anything or take much time, what’s important is that it’s an act of genuine care and thoughtfulness for another person.”
These words reflect exactly why Mike was nominated and why he is such a deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Congratulations, Mike
Everyone at MCT is immensely proud of Mike and grateful for his dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to supporting others.
His award is not only a recognition of the countless hours he has given over the past 12 years, but also a celebration of the positive impact that volunteers make in communities every day.
Congratulations, Mike, on becoming Volunteer of the Year 2026. Thank you for everything you do for Montrose Community Trust and the wider community.
Your award is thoroughly deserved.
Operations Lead