A prolific volunteer – who plays a key role in Sudbury’s defibrillator campaign and a popular sporting reminiscence group – has received top recognition from an MP.
Andy Read was named as the winner of the 2025 Community Champion Awards, organised by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge for the third year running.
After surviving a cardiac arrest himself, Mr Read launched a campaign in 2019, to ensure every Sudbury resident was within two minutes of defibrillator, in the event of an emergency.
He now leads the dedicated Sudbury Defibrillators charity, supported by the town council, which has helped drive the installation of more than 30 publicly-accessible devices in the town.
Separately, Mr Read also serves as an ambassador for the Sudbury Sporting Memories Club, which meets at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre every Wednesday afternoon.
The group’s free sessions bring together people over the age of 50, by reminiscing about their memories of sports.
Mr Read told SuffolkNews: “It means a lot to receive this award, which could have been awarded to the many volunteers across the constituency who do such tremendous work.
“As well as this, it also recognises the teams of volunteers who have made both Sudbury Defibrillators and Sudbury Sporting Memories the success they have become.
“Volunteering is rewarding and completely different to paid employment.
“If people can give a few hours or days to help their communities thrive they will gain satisfaction and energy to improve their physical and mental health.”
Mr Cartlidge added: “Since first being elected in 2015, I have met so many volunteers who work tirelessly to improve their local area.
“That’s why I launched my Community Champion Awards in 2023, to celebrate our unsung heroes upon which many of our communities depend.
“This year, nominees ranged from parish councillors to charity workers, from community project coordinators to mental health champions.
“Andy has dedicated himself to saving lives by increasing the number of defibrillators across Sudbury, including raising awareness and training on how to use a defibrillator safely and effectively.
“Andy is also central to the Sudbury Sporting Memories Club, which brings older people together to reduce isolation and loneliness through keeping active.
“As was the case last year, all of the nominees were very worthy winners, but Andy personifies what being a Community Champion is all about.”
Published by the Suffolk Free Press.
