Willow Wood Hospice held a special celebration to say thank you to its volunteers who have reached five, 10, 15 and 20 year anniversaries.

The Ashton-based hospice, which has around 600 volunteers, held the event on Sunday (17 October). 

Split into two sessions to comply with social distancing guidelines, all volunteers were greeted on arrival by members of the Board of Trustees, before being treated to an array of refreshments. 

It was an ideal opportunity to catch up with friends and fellow volunteers and to chat with Willow Wood staff members. 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Philip Millson, then thanked all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication, saying: "Volunteers are the life-blood of the organisation, saving us over £1 million in wages annually". 

He went on to pay tribute to the range of skills on show in the room and said that, added together, there was around 400 years of service being honoured – an incredible achievement from some wonderful people. 

Sandra Hughes receiving her 20-year award from Trustee Paul Stafford

The roles represented included Reiki, reflexology and other complementary therapies, receptionists, ward assistants, arts and crafts volunteers, online sales, town centre shops, driver’s mates and more. 

Lisa Pye, volunteer services manager, said there’s not a department in the hospice that doesn’t benefit from the support of the volunteer team.

Following a toast to all volunteers, those celebrating their anniversaries were presented with a specially designed pin badge and certificate. 

Everyone attending agreed what a very special day it was and how much they’d enjoyed it. 

Sandra Hughes, who has volunteered in Willow Wood's Day Services for 20 years, said: “Roll on the next twenty!”

Anyone who would like to find out more about opportunities for volunteering at Willow Wood can go to www.willowwood.info.

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper