WEast Chernobyl volunteer sadly passed away in September 2012. As a tribute and in recognition of her contribution WEast Chernobyl introduced the Carol Volunteer awards given to volunteer who had made an extraordinary effort. Carol's family received her award on posthumously on her behalf. Below WEast Chernobyl's Chairperson Brian Fitzpatrick pays tribute to a star volunteer, cousin and friend,
I will always remember where I was when my mobile phone rang with the sad news. It was a place that Carol had asked to be allowed to stay in on her next trip to Belarus, Orphanage 5 Minsk!
She always wanted to go back to Belarus.
In 2009 and 2010 she had stayed at Puchavichi Adult Institute. Carol was often described as beautiful, always well dressed and known for liking her home comforts. Being at Puchavichi was definitely out of her comfort zone. Coping with the unhygienic conditions, mosquito and mice infestations and seeing the lives the patients had.
She made people laugh, had a huge ability to be at ease with everyone and an ability to remain calm when things did not happen or went wrong, conveyed to others the need to persevere because the work was so good and beneficial to these forgotten people.
Behind the scenes in Northern Ireland, Carol was an active volunteer and a huge asset. She understood that without help at home, we could never do anything in Belarus.
Priceless as a volunteer, she always made me smile and even now she inspires me to continue! She gave me so much encouragement, ideas and a few cups of tea. The power of a cup of tea and a chat was part of her strengths. She had made so many smile! She was immense in so many ways and those volunteers that shared the Belarussian experiences of 2009 and 2010 know that we so lucky to be in her company! What a talent and she never really knew it!
In essence she was what any organisation working in Belarus would want from a volunteer.
From us all involved in WEast Chernobyl we can only say, we miss our friend Carol.