Volunteers are vital for LOROS Hospice to thrive and grow – that’s the message the charity want to express for this year’s Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1st-7th June.
And to thank their 1,300 volunteers LOROS is giving them all plantable thank you cards containing wildflower seeds, which when buried and watered will grow into beautiful flowers.
John Knight, LOROS Hospice CEO said: “The last twelve months have probably been the toughest we have all faced. As a charity, there have been many challenges and without exception everyone rallied together to focus on stabilising the hospice. Our volunteers’ support was an essential part of that and enabled us to continue to provide care and support for patients, families and their loved ones.
“We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers for the difference they make. The card is a thank you but it’s also symbolic of the vital role our volunteers play in helping LOROS grow into the future.”
Volunteers are involved in almost every aspect of life at LOROS Hospice. From volunteer drivers who take house-bound patients into Day Therapy, to hairdressers who provide much needed pampering for patients on the Ward, to shop volunteers who sort, label and sell donations in LOROS’s 27 shops.
Pete Kerrigan has been volunteering with LOROS for 9 years, supporting patients and their families whenever he can.
Pete says: “When I retired I sat around watching day time TV for a while. Then I thought, there’s got to be more to retirement than this, and I came to volunteer at LOROS. It’s like a big family, the doctors, the nurses, domestic staff – everyone pulls together for the patients. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
“Not being able to volunteer because of COVID-19 was awful, I’m so glad to be back. Being able to spend time with the patients, comforting them or just playing a game or two, whatever they want, is a real privilege."
To volunteer for LOROS visit loros.co.uk/volunteer
