Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust celebrates amazing county volunteers

This Volunteers' Week (1-7 June) the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is celebrating some of the amazing people who give up their time to support WWT's work for people and nature.

Many individuals bring their skills to WWT on a voluntary basis and much of what they do is made possible thanks to funding raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £4.8 million for WWT since 2015, awarded through the Postcode Planet Trust.

One of those volunteers is Dereck Wood, from Cam in Gloucestershire, who greets guests at Slimbridge. By being one of the first faces people see when they enter, Dereck acts as a focal point for their day, helping people engage with wetland nature by letting them know what's on around the centre, sharing the latest wildlife sightings and selling bird food for wild ducks and geese.

Dereck began volunteering in March 2017 but his journey to Slimbridge began much earlier. In 2012 Dereck was speeding around Cadwell Park's racing circuit on a motorbike capable of reaching 200mph.

Having suffered from motion sickness for a long time, Dereck wasn't surprised when he stopped for a pitstop and was so unsteady he threw up in his helmet and fell off his bike.

Booked in for a routine nasal surgery in 2013 Dereck had a strange feeling and on the spur of the moment asked for a scan of his head. The doctors delivered devastating news: they had found an aneurysm, a dangerous, bulging blood vessel in his brain.

Over the next year Dereck underwent 10 gruelling surgeries, requiring operations lasting up to eight hours and only ending when a new technique allowed access to the aneurysm via his femoral artery.

Even after all this Dereck wasn't out of the woods. Suffering a stroke in 2016 he fell over three times on the way out of his bedroom and was rushed to hospital.

Recovery was hard. Dereck explained: "I spent four days a week for two years in the gym, pushing myself to do things, and overcome things I couldn't do."

"It was an integral point in my recovery. I lost my job in 2016, I retired in my 40s, my daughter got married and moved out in 2017."

In March 2017 Dereck was seeking volunteering opportunities and came across a position greeting visitors at Slimbridge.

He said: "It was a reason to get up and do something. My father wanted me wrapped in cotton wool in a darkened room, but I'm the kind of person that, when you tell me I can't do something, that just makes me want to do it more."

Dereck began volunteering, re-learned how to ride his bike, got his driving licence back after seven years and enjoyed the role so much he decided to stay. He has recently been cleared to continue by his doctor for another five years, helping visitors by telling them what's on around the centre, sharing the latest wildlife sightings and selling bird food for wild ducks and geese.

He recently adopted a two-year-old dog from Bosnia and is planning a return to racing, a few times a year at a much slower pace. Summing up his recovery Dereck said: "If you'd have said to me five years ago I'd be here I'd have laughed at you."

Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: "It is truly inspiring to witness the immense dedication of volunteers like Dereck, who make a remarkable impact in preserving vital wetland habitats as well as enabling others to connect with nature.

"In Britain, our players have raised £1.1 billion to support great causes. Seeing this incredible support in action through initiatives by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, alongside the tireless efforts of extraordinary volunteers, fills us with hope, a win for us all."

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.