A tireless volunteer has had more than 30-years of dedicated work honoured with a prestigious award.
Hana Reid, who lives in Evesham, has volunteered at St Richard’s Hospice since its beginnings in the early 1980s and will be presented with a medal from the League of Mercy Foundation this July.
The former nurse was nominated by St Richard’s to receive the accolade – which is titled Badge of the Order of Mercy – and will collect it at a special ceremony held at Mansion House in London.
The prize recognises the work of volunteers who have spent at least seven years working to support others, including those living with an life-limiting illness. Only 50 medals are awarded to volunteers from around the country each year.
Mrs Reid said: “I couldn’t believe it – I knew nothing about it, nobody had said anything to me. I’m very thrilled.”
When she first began at St Richard’s, Mrs Reid would visit patients living in the Evesham area, supporting and caring for them in their own homes.
Once the hospice opened its base in Castle Street, Worcester, during the 1980s Mrs Reid began taking on a variety of tasks – from cooking tasty meals, to taking patients out for trips to garden centres. She was also very active in fundraising for the hospice.
Mrs Reid has since moved with the hospice – first to Rose Hill house, Worcester, in 1992, and then in 2006 to its current premises in Wildwood Drive, Worcester.
Over the years, Mrs Reid has given up her time in a whole range of roles including driving, bathing patients, sitting with patients in the In-patient unit, gardening and much more.
Now she comes to St Richard’s every other Friday and says she does “whatever needs doing”.
“I just enjoy it – you probably get as much out of it as you give to it and it really is good fun,” said Mrs Reid. “I will be carrying on as long as I can.”
June Patel, Chief Executive of St Richard’s Hospice, said: “I would like to congratulate Hana – she is truly deserving of this fantastic accolade.
“She has dedicated countless hours of her time to supporting the hospice in providing its vital care to patients.
“Without the hard work of volunteers such as Hana, it would be very difficult for St Richard’s to provide the support we give to patients living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
“So, thank you to Hana – and to all our volunteers – you are amazing!”
To become a hospice volunteer call the HR and Volunteers department on 01905 763963 or visit www.strichards.org.uk/volunteering