Efforts of more than 250 volunteers recognised by Peace Hospice Care

The gathering at the Langley Banqueting Suite in The Parade applauded the work of every hospice volunteer.

Peace Hospice Care chief executive, Sue Plummer, thanked the volunteers who collectively gave 180,000 hours of unpaid work last year, saving the hospice an estimated £2,000,000. 

She said: "Our volunteers are a significant part of the hospice. This night is for them, to celebrate their work and support. There are so many roles undertaken by our volunteers and every one of them is important to us."

Awards on the night included a Special Recognition category that was given to Liz Shrives who has been working for 17 years at the Watford 1 shop and to Ivy Pratt, aged 81 who has been volunteering for eight years, also at the Watford 1 shop.  

The Complementary Therapy Team was also given the Special Recognition award for contributing 1,000 treatments per year to hospice patients. 

Community Volunteer of the Year was given to Eric Rust who provides continuous and supportive care to patients in the Inpatient Unit, the Bereavement team and the Hospice at Home team.

The Young People’s Award was given to Watford Girls Grammar Year 10 (2013/14) for raising £8,000 for Peace Hospice Care through a series of events. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Stan Hewitt who has been a  volunteer for more than ten years working both in fundraising and finance and also to David Williams who has been volunteering for 14 years working as a bereavement counsellor and visitor, a supervisor for other bereavement visitors and a facilitator of the hospice’s STARS grief support group for children.

The Unsung Hero Award was given to Simon Lofty who has been active at the hospice for ten years recording press cuttings and for his preparation of the Hospice Herald, monthly newsletter. 

The chief executive added: "We could not do without our volunteers. This night is for them. Each and every one of them."