At the event held at the Jobserve Community Stadium in Colchester, on 26th October, St Helena Hospice’s chair of trustees, Nigel Pye, and chief executive, Mark Jarman-Howe, thanked all those receiving a milestone badge and recognised all 720 people who volunteer their time, skills and enthusiasm to a wide variety of roles supporting the work of the charity. 

Mayor Cllr Tim Young attended with Mayoress Nicola Goodchild to thank the volunteers for their contribution over the years.

Milestone badges awarded at the St Helena Hospice volunteers thank you day:

• 3 years’ service – 75 people
• 7 years’ service – 42 people
• 10 years’ service – 23 people
• 15 years’ service – 9 people
• 20 years’ service – 1 person
• 21 years’ service – 3 people
• 25 years’ service – 1 person
• 30 years’ service – 1 person
• 35 years’ service – 1 person
• 36 years’ service – 1 person
• 41 years’ service – 5 people

Recognition awards were also given to four volunteers for going above and beyond:

Heather North volunteers as a complementary therapist and was recognised for her dedication to supporting patients and their loved ones with compassion and care. 

Helen Lorenz volunteers in both the Vintage and Lower Culver Street shops and was thanked for her incredible dedication during the shop relocation as well as her contribution to the weekly stock delivery, shop window design changes, and assisting at events and fairs.

Neil Meadows volunteers as an ambassador by promoting and educating local community groups about the work of St Helena Hospice, as well as supporting at mass-participation fundraising events with setting up equipment and marshalling, and also assisting at the retail donation centre in Stanway.

Tina Peake volunteers at the charity shop in Dovercourt and was recognised for her outstanding customer service and dedication.

Wendy Marcon, voluntary services manager, said:

“Our volunteers across all areas of St Helena Hospice are a vital part of the organisation. We are delighted that after a two year hiatus, we are able to once again hold our volunteers thank you day to show our appreciation for our volunteers. 

“Without them, we could not do everything we do to complement the care we offer to patients and their families. Whether they volunteer in our retail teams or in patient facing roles at the Hospice, they all bring a valuable resource.  

“It has been particularly difficult over the past two years due to the pandemic and I’d like to thank all our volunteers who have continued to dedicate their time to supporting St Helena Hospice. Sadly many volunteers did not return to their roles following the initial lockdowns and this has impacted some of our teams, especially in our shops. 

“We have a wide range of volunteer roles so we encourage people to please get in touch; whether its four hours a day or four days a week, we’d love to hear from you.”

Visit www.sthelena.org.uk/volunteer for information on volunteering with St Helena Hospice.