Final-year medical student Daniel Last has been volunteering as a Community First Responder throughout his degree course, and has clocked up 697 hours over the past three years, fitting shifts in around his intensive studies and work placements.
Daniel, 35, of Derby, said: “When I heard about the scheme I thought it would be a great opportunity to put into practice some of what I’m learning at university and it’s a nice feeling that I’m doing something to make someone’s day a bit better in any way I can.
“I generally tend to volunteer at weekends and in the holidays, or I might do an evening shift if I know I have a later start on placement the next day.”
University of Nottingham student Daniel, who is on placement at the Royal Derby Hospital will be among the Community First Responders covering the Nottingham and Derby area on Christmas Day.
He said the decision to volunteer over the festive period was an easy one.
"With the government advice about reducing mixing over Christmas where you can, I’d already had the discussion with my family about staying here,” he said.
“We're looking to do something in the spring when things are hopefully safer for everyone. I'm not sure my attempt at Christmas lunch will match my mum's, but we'll be able to share some time over video-calling.
“For one day of the year it made no sense to me to take risks and I decided if I’m going to be here then I’d like to be doing something to help other people.
“The world doesn’t stand still just because it’s Christmas Day.”