Will Vaulks talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United midfielder and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice ambassador says he is honoured to have been recognised with the PFA Player in the Community award for the Sky Bet Championship.
The 25-year-old, who took it upon himself to become a regular volunteer at the Anston-based charity shortly after joining Rotherham United, was handed the award for the second tier on Monday for his efforts at Bluebell Wood and throughout the entire community.
Vaulks has departed the Millers’ training base this week to join his Wales teammates for the first time, but found time to tell www.themillers.co.uk of his pride at receiving the award, reiterating the importance of charities like Bluebell Wood.
“I am honoured and humbled to have won this award, but whilst I am really pleased, I’d like to reiterate this is not an award for me, but for everyone that devotes their time to fantastic causes like Bluebell Wood,” he explained.
“With that said, I am hopeful that the publicity that surrounds this award will help to raise the profile of the wonderful work that Bluebell Wood do for our community.
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for them and if I can use my position to help increase their profile then that’s great.
"I would also like to use this opportunity to place on record my thanks, on behalf of all the lads, for the work that Jamie Noble and his team do in the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust. They facilitate so much of the good work that we are able to get out in the local area to do, and along with the support of the Gaffer, are giving us a fantastic reputation, which we are really proud of and are keen to maintain."
The former Falkirk man, who was held in high regard for his community work north of the border before joining the Millers, continued to pay tribute to the people he has met as part of his journey at the children’s hospice so far.
“Ever since I’ve been involved, I’ve always really enjoyed volunteering and genuinely look forward to going up there every week,” Vaulks added.
“I have met so many brilliant people and if I can make even the slightest bit of difference by being there, then it’s all worth it.
“Bluebell Wood is a truly amazing place and I think you have to have been involved there to understand just how key it is to so many people in our community.
“As well as the many lovely patients, families and staff that I have met along the way, there are countless volunteers, who give up their own time to try and make a difference.”