Matt Spencer Award Winner 2012: Nathan Highton

University of Southampton medical student Nathan Highton has been named as the winner of the Matt Spencer Award 2012.

The award is celebrated during Student Volunteering Week (20 to 26 February) in recognition of a truly inspiring student volunteer. SV Week is delivered by Volunteering England and sponsored by Santander.

The award was set up in memory of Matt Spencer to recognise the work of outstanding student volunteers. Matt epitomised student volunteering - he cared deeply about people, the exploitation and oppression they face, and he passionately challenged it with his lateral approach.

Nathan was nominated by Claire Mynott, a fellow Southampton medical student, who explained: "I would like to nominate Nathan Highton for this award as he does so much for charity and local children, whilst studying Medicine at Southampton University at the same time. Since being at Southampton, he has been involved in numerous charities; in particular HIVE (HIV Education) teaching local high school and college students about HIV biology and transmission. 

"The other main charity he has taken on is Marrow, the student branch of Anthony Nolan. He has been on the committee for both charities and this year has been National President of Marrow, meaning he is in charge of all the Marrow groups in the UK. He has managed to take Marrow from strength to strength improving the number of people recruited and fundraised to an all time record.  Nathan has also given up a lot of his time to also help in a local youth club in Shirley."

Nathan told Volunteering England: "I was very surprised at even being nominated, let alone receiving this great award. To me, I just do what I enjoy and it's really humbling to be recognised for doing this. 

"I am currently a 4th Year Medical Student at the University of Southampton and have helped with different charities such as HIV Education (HIVE). I am currently the national president of Marrow, who are a student branch of the Anthony Nolan Trust, looking for bone marrow matches for those with blood-borne cancers such as Leukaemia and Lymphoma to name a couple. I am lucky enough to be going to the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA) conference in Ghana from 2nd March, where numerous charities meet up and discuss what they do and tips on how to improve charities, whilst trying to expand your work internationally.  I will be going there to represent Marrow and tell people of the fantastic work which all volunteers in Marrow do."

Volunteering England's Chief Executive Justin Davis Smith said: "We are delighted to give the Matt Spencer Award to Nathan, who embodies the true spirit of student volunteering. Student Volunteering Week is a fantastic way of celebrating the contribution that students have made to communities across the country and of encouraging others to get involved. The range and diversity of activities that students are involved in is truly inspirational and the value of their contribution is incalculable."

University of Southampton Pro Vice Chancellor Education Professor Debra Humphris said: "Nathan richly deserves this important national recognition, his leadership and energy, especially with Marrow, has a real impact on people's lives. I'm delighted to add my congratulations on behalf of the whole University."

Shortisted Entrants

Chloe Arnold 

Chloe has taken on numerous volunteer roles over the past 2 years. She is a Volunteer Co-ordinator for the sport volunteer programme. This role includes mentoring 12 student volunteer coaches. Chloe provides ongoing support and guidance ensuring the students enjoy the experiences and gain recognition. Chloe also held the role of Volunteering Officer as part of the Residential Assistant team for her halls of residence of 700 students. Chloe actively encouraged students to volunteer within university and community events, promoting the benefits of volunteering and directly supporting the university’s aims of developing student vocational experiences. Chloe is also a 2012 Be a Champion Ambassador. As part of this role, Chloe helped to organise a cycling challenge attended by 150 students, using the event to promote the voluntary, cultural and participation opportunities available on campus and in the community. Chloe has always shown excellent commitment and enthusiasm to her roles.

Kate Eccles

In just one and a half years at Oxford Kate has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering projects that provide academic support to disadvantaged groups in the city. In her first year she became a regular volunteer with the Maths Plus school support programme and the Magdelen Young Carers group. She then joined the Young Carers committee, implementing an academic support programme for 16-18 year olds. In her second year Kate became project coordinator for FELLOW, providing free English lessons to refugees and migrant workers. Under Kate’s leadership the project has expanded to offer sessions five times a week, as well a comprehensive training for volunteers; And Kate isn’t looking to stop there, she’s now looking for venues to offer additional weekly sessions. It is undeniable that Kate has made a significant contribution not only to strengthening multiple student volunteering projects, but has also created programmes that positively benefit the lives of many in Oxford city.

Notes for editors

Matt Spencer:
Matt Spencer became involved with Student Community Action at Queen Mary and Westfield College (now Queen Mary, University of London) where he became the SCA officer. He was a prime mover in setting up the London branch of Student Volunteering UK putting together a bid for the London Development Worker and successfully moving a motion to the University of London Council that the worker be based at ULU.

Matt sadly passed away on 26 September 2001 aged just 23. Matt's commitment, enthusiasm and sense of fun inspired us all and will always continue to do so. He is greatly missed by many people. Matt's family have set up a fund in his memory to recognise the work of outstanding student volunteers. The fund intends to award one outstanding student each academic year with an award in the form of an inscribed tankard, a cheque for £100 and a bottle of champagne.

Press contact details:

Please contact the Student Volunteering Week team, Penny Gee and Oli Gregory by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phoning 07702 475 972 if you would like further information about the awards or this year's winner Nathan Highton. Resources and information about SV Week 2012 can be found at www.volunteering.org.uk/svw

University of Southampton:

The University of Southampton's Faculty of Medicine celebrates its 40th anniversary this academic year (2011/12). Since it opened its medical school in 1971, the University of Southampton has gained an outstanding reputation for medical education, training thousands of doctors and scientists, and performing cutting edge research in areas as diverse as cancer, osteoporosis, asthma and nutrition. The Faculty of Medicine leads learning and discovery for better health across the lifecourse, from before birth to the elderly.  Please contact Charles Elder, Media Relations Manager, University of Southampton for further information This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it