The annual Bury Hospice Volunteer Long Service Awards was held onsite on Friday, February 16 to thank volunteers who have reached significant milestones for their continuing service and dedication.
Volunteers who have devoted five or more milestone years (10, 20, 25 and 30) to helping at the hospice were invited to the ceremony, where they were celebrated for their time, hard work, and commitment over the years.
Thirty one volunteers reached a milestone this year, with a grand total of 345 years between them.
The longest serving award went to Ann Cole who has done an amazing 30 years’ service at the hospice.
Ann, who worked at the Prestwich shop, is an avid supporter and ally of the hospice, having worked as part of the Brandlesholme Fundraising Support Group.
The hospice is fortunate to have built up a dedicated workforce of almost 300 volunteers whose presence can be found within every service and facet of the organisation.
This was very much evident at the ceremony, as awards this year went to volunteers spanning across all departments, including yellow box collectors, fundraising, administration, fundraising support groups, reception, retail, warehouse, drivers, lottery and gardeners – the list goes on!
In 2023 our volunteers clocked up an amazing 48,974 hours of their precious time across all areas of the hospice.
Following the awards ceremony, there was a lovely afternoon tea for all the volunteers, created by Diane Fenton, hospice catering manager, cook Ameer Hussain and the team in Café Retreat.
The awards was our way of showing how much our amazing volunteers mean to us.
Hospice volunteer services coordinator Joanne Johnson said: “It is important that we recognise the efforts and importance of our volunteers at Bury Hospice, as they support us each day to provide the best possible care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as in supporting their families.
“Our ability to undertake this work and to further develop our services is only made possible through the generosity and dedication of our volunteers, who each play a fundamental role in the day-to-day running of the hospice.
“I would like to personally thank our volunteers for their individual contributions to Bury Hospice – we couldn’t do it without you!”
We are always looking for people to join us by volunteering their time and skills.
We have a range of opportunities to get involve with, and you’ll almost certainly find an area that best suits your interests and general availability.
Anyone interested in volunteering should get in touch.
You can email volunteering@buryhospice.org.uk, call 0161 543 9671 or visit https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/volunteering.
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