A man who spent the Christmas period volunteering at LOROS, despite having an operation on his toe, will be honoured for the work he does when he received a League of Mercy Award next month.
Peter Kerrigan is among just 50 people in the whole country who will receive the prestigious national award, after he has spent the past seven years volunteering at LOROS.
The 72-year-old volunteered at the Hospice on Christmas Day and over the duration of the festive period, despite having his toe amputated on Boxing Day.
“Volunteering has changed me in my new role. I’ve become a lot more patient and understanding of other people. I wish I’d started earlier,” said the father-of-two.
“I don’t do it for the recognition.
“I will be accepting this award on behalf of all the volunteers and staff here at LOROS.”
Peter started volunteering with the LOROS Lottery team seven years ago, however, he has been fundraising for the Hospice for more than 20 years now.
As a Steward at the Working Men’s Club in Mountsorrel, Peter played a vital role in organising fundraising events for LOROS for more than two decades.
A month after retiring, seven years ago, he realised he needed to fill his time and so, decided to start volunteering.
As well as helping the Lottery team, he has volunteered with fundraising and is now a Ward Companion, helping with inpatients at LOROS.
“No two days helping on the Ward are the same,” he added.
“I speak to patients and families all of the time, it’s really fulfilling.
“I’ve met some fantastic people. It’s a lot of fun, we have a joke, a laugh and sometimes I hear their life story, it’s a privilege.”
LOROS Volunteer Manager, Minaxi Patel, nominated Peter for the award because she says he will do anything to help the Hospice.
“He’s an inspiration to everyone, although, he would never say that himself,” she said. “You never hear Peter complaining, he always has a smile on his face.
“He will do anything he can to help anyone.
“He is fully deserving of this award. He is such an honest, kind-hearted man, I’m so proud of him.”
The award ceremony will be held at The Mansion House, in London on Friday 12th July.
If you're feeling inspired by Pete and want to become a LOROS volunteer, then visit loros.co.uk/volunteering
