A WINCHESTER woman has received an award for helping helping burns victims.

Julia Chute, chairman of the Burns Unit Group Support charity (BUGS) based at Salisbury District Hospital, was awarded the Governor’s Volunteer Award at the Striving for Excellence Awards ceremony.

Ms Chute said: “I am so grateful to the governors for giving me this award and it’s wonderful to be recognised in this way.

“I co-founded the BUGS. charity and support group 14 years ago and we have been extremely busy supporting the patients and their families on the burns unit in many ways ever since. “It has been a privilege helping the patients on the ward and at the follow-up clinics over the years and also working with the dedicated staff. It’s fantastic that our work has been acknowledged by this award.”

Steven Moore, head of office and residential sales at Savills in Winchester, sponsors of BUGS, said: “We have been pleased to support BUGS throughout the year with fund-raising events and donations as this extremely worthwhile cause helps people of all ages who have suffered often terrible burns to rebuild their lives.

“Although they are based at Salisbury hospital, renowned for their outstanding burns unit, the support and aftercare that BUGS provide helps patients thoughout the south and nationally too”.