Highland Heroes 2025: Volunteer shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!
VOTE for your volunteer of the year by midnight on Monday, February 10!
Fraser Parr
An Inverness man shortlisted for volunteer of the year says he sees himself more as ‘a foot soldier’ than a Highland hero.
Fraser Parr has given his time freely to The Oxygen Works for more than 15 years. The centre of excellence provides support to individuals living with neurological and complex health conditions; hyperbaric oxygen therapy is central to its approach.
Fraser is said to have been instrumental in safeguarding the charity’s future, from stepping in to prevent the imminent closure of the centre over a decade ago, to personally overseeing the restoration of water-damaged equipment following a flood in 2021.
He has also supported the charity’s transition to a Real Living Wage employer and ensured additional benefits and recognition for the charity’s hardworking team.
Fraser said: “It’s just in me to help folk. If they need a hand I’ll give them a hand. I’m not looking for recompense, I just want to offer support and if that means mowing lawns or picking up litter one day so that we create a more welcoming and safe environment for the people who need our services the most, then that’s what I do.”
Jane Humphreys
A deep passion for helping others has placed a retired care home manager in the spotlight, earning her a place on the shortlist for Volunteer of the Year.
Jane Humphreys, originally from Wales, is a committee member and volunteer for Badenoch Shinty Memories Group where she regularly helps dementia sufferers and people who live in isolation.
Her nomination said: “Jane is an incredible woman with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She’s like a magnet; her interaction with the patrons is warm, kind, passionate and her jovial disposition draws people towards her. Her warm and gregarious personality is her strength and this shines through as she helps spark memories for people living with dementia.”
News of the nomination was greeted with shock. Jane said: “I never expected anything like this in my life. There are so many people isolated and alone and if we can help, what a privilege that is!”
She continued: “I’m honoured to have been nominated, and the work that we all do is so effective because of the way that the whole team pulls together.”
Daniel Russell
Life is about giving back according to an Inverness teen who’s been shortlisted for volunteer of the year for his “consistent and remarkable dedication to helping others.”
Daniel Russell’s nomination said: “He has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to helping others. He is a constant source of support for his friends, family, and community; his compassion and drive to make a positive difference in the world are qualities that set him apart.”
The Inverness college student, who hopes to go to university to become a paramedic, has given his time and energy to mentor younger students at school, at martial arts, football, and the Inverness Wildcats American football team. He is now a volunteer with the city’s Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) where he works alongside street pastors and medical professionals to provide care to partygoers in need of assistance.
Daniel said: “You can't always do everything on your own. It’s important to be thankful for your friends and family for helping you get to the places you want to go in life. I’ve also received a lot of support from coaches and mentors over the years and I believe you can make positive change wherever you are, you don’t have to be high up in any chain to do it.”
Cairngorm Group is sponsoring the award for volunteer of the year.
Joint managing director at Cairngorm Group, Chris Dowling, said: “Highland Heroes is a fantastic way to show our appreciation to so many unsung heroes across the north of Scotland.
Volunteers are key to so many charities and organisations, and without them, so many important activities simply wouldn’t take place. This is a great way to give something back to those who give so much.
“We would encourage everyone to think about those people who are making a huge difference often with little or no recognition and vote for them so they know how much they are appreciated.”
