Two brothers from Somerton, who volunteer for their community, are two winners of our Christmas Kindness competition.
Despite having a busy schedule with their A Levels at Huish Episcopi Sixth Form, Matthew, 18, and Daniel Davies, 17, both regularly volunteer to help support their community.
The younger brother, Daniel has spent his time volunteering at local charity shops and every week helps support a local toddler group setting up and clearing up.
Daniel said: “They were looking around for replacements so I heard about it and thought it would be great to step in as the people are really friendly. I helped in general anyway so I thought I would do the toddler group too.
“It’s quite fun and I do the washing up and serve teas and coffees. They also do a clothes swap where you can donate clothes you don’t want and help yourself to clothes that are there.”
His brother Matthew, who is preparing for his final exams, volunteers every week as a maths tutor at his old secondary school to support pupils who may be struggling. He is also an ambassador for the school’s open evenings.
The pair volunteer at their local church, Life Church in Somerton, where Matthew supports activities with the children there and Daniel runs the sound and technical assistance during services.
Daniel added: “It’s only really been the last couple of years that we’ve really got to know the people there because it’s quite a rural area so it’s a bit out of the way. There isn’t much to do on the Somerset levels on the weekends either, so it gives us something to do.
“When they do the songs for the service, I help them put the lyrics up and style it so people can look follow it. I think it’s fun helping the people who run it but also, it’s a good service to the community because it seems like it means quite a lot to them and the parents.
Matthew and Daniel were named two of the winners of our Christmas Kindness competition which was launched to celebrate acts of kindness across the South West.
After being surprised that they were one of the winners of the competition, thanks to their mum’s quiet entry, Daniel has decided he would like to dedicate more time to volunteering once his schedule becomes lighter.
Daniel said: “I’m very happy to be recognised. It’s nice of my mum to enter us - I only found out a few days ago when she told us we had won but I hadn’t heard of it before.
“I’m very proud of Matthew for winning as well, he does a lot for others, so he deserves the acknowledgement too.”
Their mum Annamarie Davies, who nominated the brothers for their achievements, said: “I nominated them because teens can get a lot of slack especially to do with antisocial behaviour but they’re making a difference to the community where they live.
“I know I’m a bit biased because they’re my kids, but they really do make a difference and care about their community. They aren’t always angels but they’re selflessly getting up and doing what they can to help others and I’m not making them do it, they enjoy doing it. I’m a very proud mum that they’re doing things to help others.”