Hospice volunteer wins award for dedicated support
St Elizabeth Hospice staff and volunteers have joined together to show their appreciation to volunteer Tony Harper after he was announced as a winner of a Room to Reward, Hidden Heroes, award.
For more than 26 years, Tony Harper has been a familiar face to many at St Elizabeth Hospice through his dedicated volunteering. From working with the hospice’s care teams, nurses, kitchen staff and reception team, Tony is loved by the whole hospice family and they all greatly appreciate his support.
As a result, his fellow volunteers and colleagues at the hospice nominated him for an award from Room to Reward, a unique volunteer-recognition charity created to say ‘thank you’ to the Hidden Heroes – inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it most.
It was announced in August that Tony had been selected as a deserving recipient of the award and upon receiving his certificate and award, Tony said: “This is totally unexpected but a wonderful surprise. I am very happy to do what I do at the hospice, as it is a place that means a great deal to me.
“Thank you to all the staff and the volunteers who I have worked with over the years, it is an absolute pleasure to work alongside so many amazing people.”
Through Room to Reward, charities and community groups are encouraged to nominate their hidden heroes and Room to Reward then organises for the successful nominees to receive a free, short break at a number of hotels across the country for them to stay at, as reward for their volunteering service.
Lynda Mills, Volunteer Partnerships Administration Coordinator at St Elizabeth Hospice, added: “Throughout his time supporting the hospice Tony has consistently gone above and beyond. He never stands still as he is always looking for new ways he can help those around him.
“Nothing is too much for Tony, be it restocking the kitchen, working on reception, taking meal orders or escorting visitors.
“Tony really is an absolute star, and we cannot thank him enough for all the support he gives the hospice. He has been a hospice stalwart for many years. Loyal, reliable, hardworking, a great support to staff and patients alike and he more than deserves to receive this award.”
To learn more about volunteering opportunities at St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 707939, email volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/support-us/volunteer-for-us/