Contrast

Text Size

a a
X

16th October 2024

Volunteers recognised at Thank You Day

St Helena Hospice said a special thank you to 129 people who this year achieved a volunteering milestone with the charity.

At the event held at the Jobserve Community Stadium in Colchester, on 15th 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 the 900+ people who volunteer their time, skills and enthusiasm to a wide variety of roles supporting the work of the charity. 

Mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell was also in attendance to thank the volunteers for their contribution over the years.
This year, local businesses who have supported St Helena Hospice and a selection of dedicated local community supporters were also invited to the Thank You Day to receive a certificate and thanks for everything they do to help raise vital funds for the charity. 

Janice Lingard and Margaret Spurgeon were two volunteers celebrating 35 incredible years of volunteering. They said: “The Hospice has been there for friends and family. We’ve met lovely people and made a lot of good friends and we enjoy it.”

Alice Harker received her 20 years’ long service award, she said: “It’s always good to give back to the community; the Hospice is a worthwhile charity and you never know when your time is up. It’s the friendships, routine and seeing how the organisation has grown over the years, it’s just a worthwhile charity to donate your time.”

Milestone badges awarded at the St Helena Hospice volunteers thank you day:
  • 3 years’ service – 52 people
  • 7 years’ service – 36 people
  • 10 years’ service – 25 people
  • 15 years’ service – 9 people
  • 20 years’ service – 5 people
  • 35 years’ service – 2 people
Recognition awards were also given to two volunteers for going above and beyond:

David Lam was nominated for special recognition by his colleagues at Safe Harbour for his invaluable contributions to the team. He has been instrumental in providing insightful guidance on cultural issues and generating innovative ideas for outreach to ethnically diverse communities. One of David’s ideas was to provide training for English-proficient members of the Chinese community, empowering them to share vital information and resources with others in their community who may face language barriers.

Sam Smale volunteers within the estates team and was recognised by them for her passion for the Hospice which she showed by going over and above her usual duties and helping in the £50 Challenge Car Wash, as well as supporting the catering team at Hero Run. 

Wendy Marcon, voluntary services manager, said: “We have more than 900 incredible volunteers, giving their time to support St Helena in many different roles across all areas of the organisation, and every single one of them are a vital part of the organisation. 

“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.  

“Over the next ten years, St Helena has an ambitious vision, to double the number of people we reach and to do that we will need the help and support of more volunteers. So if you’re interested in sparing a few hours a week or month, we encourage you to get in touch or check out our vacancies at our website. We’d love to hear from you.”

Hospice patient Viv recorded a message which was played to everyone in attendance at the Thank You Day. She said: “To the amazing volunteers; you are incredible, donating your time, skills and smiles to support St Helena in all the different roles across the charity. 

“I want to thank all of you because you are making a huge difference to me and to my loved ones every day. Everything you do for this brilliant charity so it can help me and others now and in the future means the world.”

Visit www.sthelena.org.uk/volunteer for information on volunteering with St Helena Hospice.
4 volunteers standing in a line with their awards in hand
35 year long service award winners Janice and Margaret
David Lam, special recognition award winner
A group of volunteers and staff with the Mayor
 

Related news and stories

 

Our response to the assisted dying vote

Dr Karen Chumbley, Chief Clinical Officer and lead for end of life care for Suffolk and north east Essex responds to the Assisted Dying Bill.

View more

Hospice urges community to write to MPs over extra cost pressures

St Helena Hospice is urging people to write to their local MP to highlight the extra cost pressures on hospices announced in this month’s Budget, fearing a black hole of more than £385,000 in the charity’s finances.

View more

Closure of our Frinton Triangle Shop

We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Frinton Triangle Shop will be closing its doors on Saturday 14th December.

View more

Holiday camps for when the kids aren't at school!

Looking to keep your kids inspired and engaged during half terms and school holidays then look no further than this holiday club!

View more

The importance of donating to St Helena charity shops

View more

Colchester awarded Compassionate City status

Colchester has been recognised as the first Compassionate City in the East of England, which community champions believe will inspire more people to be kind and compassionate to others in need of support during life’s most difficult moments.

View more

Charities create online hub for bereavement support

Two local charities have collaborated to create an online platform dedicated to providing invaluable resources and support for people navigating bereavement, tailored specifically for those living in north east Essex.

View more

Second break in within four months at St Helena charity shop

St Helena Hospice’s charity shop in Dovercourt was broken into last weekend. This is now the second break in for the shop in the last four months, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

View more
 
 
Go to basket

Go to basket

0
Spinner