A Southampton woman who started volunteering last year is up for a national award.

Sara Atkins, 57, began volunteering with Sense’s virtual buddying programme nearly a year ago after retiring from her 33-year career with the NHS blood and transplant service.

She wanted to make productive use of her time.

Sara, who has osteoarthritis, connected with Katherine Barnes, 44, a disabled woman who has been chronically ill since contracting COVID-19 in early 2020.

The pair bonded over their shared love of fantasy novels and decided to run their virtual buddying sessions like a book club.

They meet twice a month to discuss the books they read.

Sara's companionship has been such a lifeline to Katherine that she nominated her for a Sense Award.

Katherine said: "Because of my disability and chronic illness I find it so difficult to read, and before I met Sara I had completely disengaged from my favourite hobby for years.

"Sara has brought it all back to life for me.

"Sara allows me to reconnect with the world, with my old self and brings that spark of joy into my life that I so desperately needed.

"When you have complex conditions people don't see you anymore, they see your condition or symptoms.

"Sara makes me feel like a person again.

"I cannot stress that enough."

In recognition of her volunteering, Sara has been shortlisted for the Sense Volunteer of the Year award.

Sara said: "I am shocked and surprised to be shortlisted for this award, pleasantly.

"I started volunteering with Sense because now I’m retired I have time on my hands and wanted to do something worthwhile.

"Me and Katherine are a great match and I look forward to our sessions together."

Sacha Hamed, head of volunteering at Sense, said: "The relationship that Sara has built with her buddy Katherine is so special, and it’s really touching to see them both enjoying this blossoming friendship.

"I hope being shortlisted for this award has demonstrated to Sara how valued she is by everyone working on the virtual buddying programme."

Sense will announce the winners on its social media channels in November.