ST LUKE'S Hospice has thanked its vital team of volunteers after they gave up more than 50,000 hours of their time in the last 12 months.
As part of Volunteers' Week, the Winsford-based hospice is recognising their efforts - without which St Luke's 'wouldn't exist'.
Thanks to the hours given up helping out, volunteers have helped the hospice save around £450,000.
Now, as Volunteer Week comes to an end, the hospice is appealing for others to get involved in whatever way works for them.
Kate Estcourt, the director of care at St Luke’s Hospice, said: “I regularly see the contribution volunteers make to our patients and their families.
"Whether it’s stopping for a chat, making a cup of tea, providing a relaxing hand massage, driving patients home or simply offering a listening ear, our volunteers help to make St Luke’s the wonderful and caring place it is.
"I also know there are so many more volunteers making a difference to St Luke’s every day by working in our shops, welcoming visitors to reception, ensuring our gardens look beautiful, sorting through donations, helping with administration and supporting our fundraising events.
"Over the past 12 months, they have collectively contributed more than 50,000 hours of their valuable time, which is just incredible. I am not exaggerating when I say that our hospice simply could not exist without its volunteers."
Sarah Greenwood, from Winsford, started volunteering at the hospice back in 2008 but took a break in 2017 to care for her husband who had dementia.
She has recently come back as a volunteer helping with the new dementia carers’ workshops in day hospice and says it’s so rewarding.
Sarah said: "If you’re thinking about volunteering then go for it. I’ve not met one volunteer at St Luke’s who doesn’t enjoy it.
"It’s a great thing to do and extremely worthwhile. Sometimes I think volunteering is quite selfish because you do get so much out of it yourself.
"It gives you something to focus on and you meet loads of other people. There are four of us volunteering with the dementia carers’ workshops and we just gelled immediately.
"We now have a WhatsApp group and we’ve been out for lunch. So it gives you a lot, as well as giving the hospice something too.”
Gerry Grant, also from Winsford, volunteers at the hospice reception every Thursday morning.
She says: "I have been volunteering in reception for about a year now. Everyone is so lovely, and it is great that I get to give something back to the community.
"Volunteering gave me a new purpose after my husband died, and it has helped me through that time."
Eighty-three-year-old Mike Bird, from Winsford, volunteers at the warehouse one day a week.
He's volunteered for the hospice for more than 23 years and now supports the hospice at the warehouse - sorting stock and driving the van making deliveries.
Mike said: "It's a fantastic place, I live locally, and after retiring, I just wanted to keep busy, and this seemed like a great place to help."
St Luke’s Hospice is actively recruiting new volunteers and has a variety of opportunities for all aged 16 plus.
Whether it's helping in the hospice garden or in one of the shops, there are roles to suit all skills and schedules.
For more information about volunteering with St Luke’s, visit slhospice.co.uk/volunteer or email St Luke’s volunteer co-ordinator adelle.gillett@slhospice.co.uk.
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