Posted on 29th Dec
Committed volunteer Diane Kerry is celebrating 45 years of service at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.
She first began in 1976, working nights on the Dukeries ward, which at the time was the hospital’s mother and baby unit.
During her time as a volunteer, Diane has also worked in the Daffodil Café and the Welcome Treatment Centre, and has been working face-to-face with patients for the past 10 years — greeting, chatting and making sure they feel comfortable.
“I love meeting people and talking to them,” she said.
“Every day is something different and I get to meet some lovely people, both colleagues and patients. The trust (that runs the hospital) has always looked after the volunteers well and we feel very much appreciated.”
Diane was instrumental in providing the Daffodil badges that some of the trust volunteers still wear now, buying them at a garden centre just before the Dukeries building closed to hand out to her fellow volunteers. She still wears hers with pride today.
Alongside her role at King’s Mill, Diane has also volunteered at the John Eastwood Hospice for 25 years.
She was presented with a bouquet, a long service badge and certificate by Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust chief executive Paul Robinson and director of corporate affairs Shirley Higginbotham.
Paul said: “It was humbling to hear how Diane has volunteered at the hospital for 45 years and the hospice for 25 years, all while juggling work and family life. Thank you Diane for all that you do, you are remarkable and should be very proud of your achievements.”
Shirley added: “We are so proud of all of our volunteers and it was an absolute pleasure to present Diane with her award. Forty-five years is an amazing achievement, thank you Diane for all of your hard work and dedication.”
A total of 45 volunteers who have volunteered at the trust for a total of 590 years between them were presented with awards.
Among them were three volunteers from Newark Hospital — Ursula Clifton (25 years), Jean Scotney (20 years) and Pam Weir (20 years).
Tracey Brassington, community involvement manager, added: “Our volunteers are so important. I am pleased that we get the chance to honour them in this way and let them know exactly how much we appreciate them for all that they do for the trust.”
