Churchill Living has recognised the inspiring contribution of over 60s in the Midlands as part of its Local Hero Awards 2026, with Solihull-based volunteer Paul Colton named the region’s Local Hero.
Paul, 66, received the award at a ceremony held at Churchill Living’s Charles Lodge in Evesham, in recognition of his tireless work with St John Ambulance and for supporting people across his local community.
Paul has volunteered with St John Ambulance since 1990 when his then five-year-old son decided he wanted to become a Badger (a St John Ambulance youth member). Paul began as an Emergency Ambulance Crew member, supporting the NHS on the frontline and responding to 999 calls.
Since then, he has cared for hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Throughout his time with St John Ambulance, Paul has also dedicated countless hours to training and supporting the next generation of volunteers, helping hundreds of adults and cadets develop the skills and confidence to provide vital patient care to others.
Over the years, Paul has taken on numerous volunteer roles, including Divisional Superintendent, Trainer, Assessor, Driver Trainer Assessor and Logistics Officer.
He has also played an important role in starting St John Ambulance’s commercial services, providing care and support to some of the most seriously ill patients, including children from Birmingham Children’s Hospital and adults receiving critical care.
Paul’s commitment has rightly been recognised within the charity too, with a Service Medal and four bars, as well as being appointed a Grade 4 Officer.
As the Local Hero for the Midlands, Paul has received £1,000 for St John Ambulance from the Churchill Foundation – the charity arm of Churchill Living – to support them in continuing their vital work.
Paul said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be awarded as the Midlands’ Local Hero by Churchill Living and for the Foundation’s incredibly generous donation towards St John Ambulance. It’s been an absolute honour working for the charity for almost 40 years and a pleasure serving my local community. Myself, and everyone who dons the memorable green uniform, is so proud to do it and to live by the morals of the organisation. While I’m honoured to receive the award from Churchill, I must give a nod to all my fellow volunteers whose hard work supports people at some of their most vulnerable moments.”
Churchill’s Local Hero Awards 2026 follows the success of last year’s inaugural awards, which saw winners crowned across six counties. This year, the initiative has grown to honour 10 individuals doing brilliant things in their local communities.
The awards highlight the valuable contribution older people continue to make through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and supporting those around them. According to the State of UK Volunteer Management Report 2026, 50% of organisations say their volunteer bases are mostly made up of people aged 61 to 79.
Spencer J McCarthy, Chairman and CEO of Churchill Living, said: “Following the success of last year’s Local Hero Awards, we were excited to re-launch the initiative this year and recognise another cohort of incredibly worthwhile nominees. The Local Hero Awards highlight the incredible contribution older people are making in communities across the country.
“Paul is such an inspiring example of the impact that decades of time and effort can have on people who need it. He’s truly been there for people – seeing new life begin and some lives end – but continues to put his uniform on every day and dedicate his time to helping others. I hope this award goes some way to thanking him for everything he does.”
