A CANVEY lifesaver is over the moon after being named the Echo’s Volunteer of the Year.

Stephanie Trew, who volunteers with Canvey First Responders and the Coastguard, saw off stiff competition to clinch the trophy.

The 36-year-old, who was nominated by Carla Livermore, was in disbelief when she was told of her success.

She said: “I feel extremely overwhelmed and so very grateful to everyone who voted for me.

“Of course, special thanks has to go to my lovely friend Carla for nominating me in the first place.

“I never expected to be nominated, let alone win. I think I am still in shock.”

Stephanie, who lives on Picketts, Canvey, has been a Canvey First Responders volunteer for four years and also began devoting time to the Coastguard close to two years ago.

She relishes the task of helping to save people’s lives when they are caught up in difficult situations.

Stephanie added: “I really enjoy being there for the community and putting something back into our island.

“It can be tough at times but is also extremely rewarding.

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“With the Canvey First Responders, we were also delivering basic life support and defibrillator awareness training to the community prior to Covid.

“There is a real community spirit on Canvey and this is one of the reasons I do and will continue to volunteer.

“I find it extremely rewarding to play a role in potentially saving someone’s life.

“I am grateful that I have the privilege and opportunity to be allowed into someone’s life when they are in their time of need with the possibility of making a difference.”

Stephanie also helped to organise a helpline for shielding Canvey residents during lockdown, meaning she has devoted even more time to helping the community since the initial coronavirus outbreak in March.

She revealed: “There was a team of responders that set this up. We had a phone line set up and we would take the calls, respond to the Facebook requests and emails and then collect and deliver medications on a daily basis.

“We wanted to do it to help people that were vulnerable and shielding so that they did not put themselves at any risk and to take away any anxiety about how they would collect their medication.

“It was all about supporting and being there for our community.”

Stephanie feels more people should volunteer within their communities.

She admitted: “I think volunteering is vitally important.

“Being able to offer lifesaving treatment or assess a situation is crucial.

“It’s great to ultimately help achieve a positive result.”