A dedicated volunteer has shown their commitment to LOROS Hospice in an unusually permanent way – getting its name tattooed on his arm to raise money.
Pete Kerrigan, who has been volunteering for more than 10 years at LOROS Hospice, took on a bet from friends that he wouldn’t get a tattoo.
Pete said: “It started with a conversation from the nurses on the ward. I’ve never had a tattoo and they were asking me why. I said, the only way I’d do it was if it was for LOROS. So now they’ve all sponsored me, I’ve decided to do it!
The tattoo, which reads ‘Proud to be part of LOROS’, sums up Pete’s commitment to the charity.
Pete volunteers as a ward companion, chatting with patients and their families and putting them at ease, even winning a national league of mercy award for his volunteering a few years back. He’s also completed numerous fundraising events, bringing in thousands to support the hospice.
John Knight, CEO of LOROS Hospice, said: “Pete is an incredible volunteer – he’s always in the hospice, even dressing up as Santa on Christmas Day. He’s loved by our patients and by our staff, and we’re so proud to call him a friend.”
Pete added: “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. Being able to spend time with the patients, comforting them or just playing a game or two, whatever they want, is a real privilege."
The tattoo was generously created for free by Kasbah, Leicester, who have been long-time supporters of the charity.
So far, Pete’s tattoo has raised more than £800 which he will be using to support patients on the LOROS ward this Christmas.
