Volunteer's impact on Special Care Baby Unit recognised with award
9/10/2025
A volunteer whose tireless dedication has transformed the lives of families across North Wales has been recognised at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Achievement Awards.
Ruth Drake, who has dedicated more than 16 years to supporting the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award at the ceremony, held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
Ruth first became involved with SCBU in 2008 following the birth of her daughter, Elin. Shortly after, she joined Cherish, the parents’ support charity for the unit, and quickly became an integral part of its fundraising and support efforts. By 2011, Ruth had stepped up as Chairperson—a role she held with passion and commitment for 13 years.
Under her leadership, Cherish has gone from strength to strength, raising vital funds and helping to deliver a wide range of improvements for SCBU families. These include the refurbishment of parents’ accommodation, memory keepsake boxes, miniboo cuskis for babies, and contributions to the new wellbeing hub currently in development. The charity has also funded the redecoration of the unit, ensuring a warmer and more welcoming environment for babies and their families.
Ruth has also been the driving force behind special events for families, such as the much-loved annual SCBU Christmas Party, as well as previous teddy-bear picnics which brought families together in the summer. She also trained as a Bliss Champion, providing invaluable emotional support to parents during their most challenging times.
Speaking about Ruth’s award, staff at SCBU described her as “selfless, compassionate and inspiring,” adding that her contribution has had a lasting impact on the care and support families receive.
Ruth’s compassion and unwavering commitment have made a tangible difference for countless families over the years. Her recognition as Volunteer of the Year is a testament to the extraordinary impact that dedicated volunteers can have on the lives of others.
Claire Chapman, Regional Manager at award sponsor Rowlands Pharmacy, said: “We’re proud to be at the awards to recognise the contribution made by volunteers toward healthcare in North Wales.
“It was inspirational to hear the efforts of all three finalists, who have used their experiences to make a real difference to people receiving care in our North Wales hospitals. Huge congratulations to all three for their amazing efforts.”
The principal sponsor of the Achievement Awards was Centerprise International. For more than 40 years, Centerprise International has been dedicated to providing innovative, tailored IT solutions customers across both the public and private sectors.
Jez Nash, Chief Executive Officer of the awards’ principal sponsor Centerprise International, said: “We were again delighted to support the awards and help recognise the outstanding efforts of NHS staff across North Wales.
“Centerprise International has a long and proud partnership with the NHS in Wales, and tonight’s examples of staff going above and beyond to support both patients and their colleagues was a fantastic reminder of the special work they do.
“Congratulations again to everyone shortlisted.”