A STEWARTON volunteer has been honoured for his work with the armed forces charity SSAFA.

Bob Whiteford, an active 74-year-old, who is a case worker for the Ayrshire branch of SSAFA, has received a regional recognition award, which honours extra endeavour and inspirational dedication.

Bob's award dispels the myth that only those with military experience give up their free time for armed forces charities.

His only connection to the armed forces is his father, who served in the Home Guard during the Second World War.

In contrast, Bob’s background was first as a dairy farmer at the award-winning Wheatrig Ayrshires herd, and latterly in financial services - a move he says was “more by accident than design”.

A very serendipitous accident, as it turns out.

Bob joined SSAFA in 2013 after one of his then clients, Graham Piggott, chairman of SSAFA in Ayrshire, asked if he wanted to volunteer for the charity.

“I’d never heard of SSAFA,” admitted Bob.

"So I asked what it was about, was invited to the Ayrshire office to see what happened and the work it does for armed forces personnel and their families, and have been with SSAFA ever since.”

He added: “I enjoy trying to help others who may not be in a position to help themselves and take great pleasure when a case completes successfully.

“Not all cases are straightforward and need experience and that little bit extra to get to the desired outcome.

"With all the changes that have taken place over the last few years, my financial services experience has helped with the new computer system and the changes to data protection.

“I’m really pleased to receive this award as it recognises the work of the volunteers who sometimes need to put in a lot of hours to get the results for people in need.”

For more information – including how to volunteer, fundraise, or access services – visit ssafa.org.uk/ayrshire.