Hospital pays tribute to volunteers' years of help

10:34pm Monday 19th November 2007

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A SPECIAL thank you evening for volunteers at Leighton Hospital in Crewe has taken place to mark 35 years of selfless dedication.

More than 200 people attended the annual volunteers' evening, which gave the Trust the opportunity to show its gratitude to those who help by making patients and visitors' time in hospital more pleasant by supporting staff, visiting patients or by raising funds.

Alongside individual volunteers, members of several voluntary organisations were present, including the League of Friends, Hospital Broadcast Service, Ray of Hope, ABC Association, British Red Cross and WRVS.

Hosted by trust chairman Alan White, the event was held in the hospital's restaurant where guests were treated to a special buffet provided by the Trust's award-winning catering team.

Mr White said: "It is 35 years since the hospital opened its doors to welcome not only patients but also the first of our loyal volunteers.

"Many of them have been with us for the full three-and-a-half decades and their wonderful contribution to our hospital has not gone unnoticed and deserves special congratulations."

Particular mention was given to Pauline Davies, who started the volunteer scheme, recruiting its first team of people willing to give as little or as much of their free time as possible to their local hospital.

Miss Davies developed the scheme for over 20 years until her retirement in 1994, giving her the opportunity to become a volunteer in the outpatients department.

During the course of the evening long-service awards were also presented to a number of volunteers including Dorothy Riley, Joyce Southern, Valerie Wall, Alice Willacy, who have each clocked up 35 years service.

Mr White also thanked long-standing volunteers Vera and Chris Clough who help to run the hospital radio and are now retiring after 25 years.

For more information about becoming a volunteer and what it entails call Linda Edwards at Leighton on 01270 612311.