More than 100 volunteers honoured for dedication to Compton Care

A total of 120 Compton Care volunteers received certificates marking their years of voluntary service to the charity this week.

Awards ranged from five years up to 30 years voluntary service – with the total number of years contributed to the charity adding up to 1,065 years.

One of those who was recognised at the event at the Mount Hotel on Tuesday, was Anne Hewitt, from Codsall. She has served as a volunteer for Compton's main reception for 30 years – starting out in 1989. She helps out every Monday morning between 8am and 12.30pm.

Ms Hewitt said: "At Compton we are there to help but we get so much out of volunteering too. I first started volunteering because my friend was one of the trustees and she encouraged me to apply. I am so glad I did because I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“What I enjoy most about volunteering is the people. You meet and speak to the most amazing people coming through the doors and on the phone which is so very humbling.”

Inspirational

Compton Care relies on the contribution of more than 850 volunteers, ranging from the ages of 16 to 90 years old, who support the charity in various roles. The contribution helps the charity save more than £1 million every year in running costs.

David Gibson, volunteer services manager, added: "Collectively this group of volunteers have completed 1,065 years’ of service between them. That is an incredible achievement. In all my years of working with volunteers, I have never seen this level of commitment, across so many people.

“We can sometimes lose sight of what it takes to commit to be a volunteer. Our loyal volunteers turn up each week and carry out their roles and deliver incredible service to our customers, patients and their families, but it goes much deeper than this.

"Our volunteers carry out their shift, often rearranging plans to ensure that they can attend, travel to and from Compton whether that be by car, bus or walking, come rain or shine. They cover unsociable hours to ensure that we continue to run 365 days a year.

"Our volunteers are like pebbles, when thrown in the water they may make a little splash, but the ripples spread across the whole lake. They are a truly inspirational group of people.”