Sue Duncan

A community activist whose support has helped hundreds of displaced Ukrainian families rebuild their lives in Reading has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker.

Sue Duncan has been recognised for going “above and beyond the ordinary” to provide both practical and emotional support to families fleeing the war in Ukraine.

In February 2022, Sue and her husband Scott made the selfless decision to open their home to Alex and his mother Elena, welcoming them into their household after they arrived from Ukraine.

“Sue quickly recognised the need for community support”, said her nominator.

Working alongside Reading Borough Council, she helped establish support groups for Ukrainian residents and the host families supporting them. She also created WhatsApp groups, organised social activities and built connections that helped people feel less isolated in an unfamiliar country.

By June, Sue identified a dire need for English learning session for Ukrainian adults to access their new communities. Partnering with St Michael’s Church, arranged for an English teacher to deliver regular classes, and paid for by Sue’s fundraising efforts and donations from friends and family.

“Four years later, and after hundreds of English language sessions, Sue continues to work tirelessly to fundraise and provide practical support,” the nominator added.

Her fundraising includes organising jazz evenings at David Lloyd Reading, where she performs as the lead singer, as well as arranging street parties and community gatherings that bring Ukrainian families together.

“Sue provides these acts of thoughtful kindness without recognition or recompense. She is a real star who has directly improved the lives of hundreds of people.”