A former minicab driver from Watford was among 40 people honoured in Jewish Care’s volunteer of the year awards on Monday evening.
Martyn Fairbanks received a special mention for his efforts working for free at the charity's Karten CTEC Centre in Golders Green.
Twice a week, Martyn teaches members how to use computers, helping them to become proficient at using email, online shopping and editing pictures.
He was a minicab driver until he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago. Now he drives an adapted car and can no longer work work but he overcome his own disabilities so that he could continue volunteering.
He said: "After I had acute MS it was hard to get support and a social worker, but then Jewish Care really helped me and I decided I wanted to give something back to them and that’s why I volunteer."
Before Martyn received his awards, the President of Jewish Care, Lord Levy, opened the event by thanking his fellow volunteers for making Jewish Care "so special".
He said: "I am proud to say that I am a volunteer like so many of you. Our joint contribution as volunteers is invaluable to the organisation. Without it Jewish Care would have to reduce the services it offers.
"Again this year, we have been able to put a real value against the contribution of our volunteers and we estimate this to be over one million hours at £9.25 million."
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