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565 Foxhall Road
Ipswich,
Suffolk
IP3 8LX
T: (01473) 727776
F: (01473) 274717
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Long serving St Elizabeth Hospice volunteer Peter Neate is celebrating for two reasons this week. Mr Neate, who lives in Felixstowe, has received a long service award from the Hospice and is also celebrating his 90th birthday.

A special tea party was held at the Hospice to celebrate both Mr Neates birthday and also his achievements at the Hospice. In front of Hospice staff and fellow volunteers, Lesley Cockerton, chief executive at St Elizabeth Hospice, awarded Mr Neate with a special long service award, birthday card and a large birthday cake, made by the Hospice catering team.

Mr Neate was involved in the initial appeal for a Hospice in East Suffolk back in the late 1980s and continued to volunteer after the first patient was admitted on 1st November 1989. Throughout Mr Neates time at the Hospice he has assisted the fundraising team, manned reception and worked as a ward clerk. He is also a Hospice ambassador and represents the Hospice at cheque presentations and gives talks to community groups and organisations. In 2005 Mr Neate was awarded the prestigious Order of Mercy, a national award for distinguished voluntary service.

Mr Neate said "I originally got involved with the Hospice because I was retired and I wanted to do something different. Volunteering at the Hospice gives me great satisfaction and provides a focus for my life. I will continue volunteering as long as I can. I enjoy it very much and I would encourage others to volunteer as well."

If you are interested in volunteering at the Hospice or would like more information, please contact Elena Obiang Ondo, voluntary services coordinator, on 01473 707016 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk