Thankyou awards for veteran volunteers at hospitals

Stanley Pascoe, flanked by trust duo John MacDonald and Jill Smallwood.

A total of 85 volunteers were recognised for their commitment and service, which has ranged from five to 40 years and totalled a staggering 925 years.

The longest-serving volunteers at King’s Mill were 81-year-old Stanley Pascoe, of Forest Town, and 66-year-old Michael Shannon, of Sutton, who have both given 30 years of help.

Stanley used to work in the x-ray department at Mansfield General Hoispital and now assists the radiology team and reception staff at King’s Mill.

Volunteer Sonia Tate (centre) receives her award from Trust chairman John MacDonald and Barbara Joules, of the Mansfield and Sutton League of Friends.

He said: “It has been brilliant working for the hospitals for so long. I really enjoy helping people and being part of the team.”

Michael is a Catholic Eucharistic minister and supports the chaplaincy team by holding Holy Communion services on the wards and by visiting patients.

He said: “It is great to be able to help people and give them comfort when they need it most. The chaplaincy team is brilliant to work with, and it is good to give something back.”

The awards, which comprised certificates and badges, were presented by John MacDonald, the chairman of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, who thanked all the volunteers for their hard work.

Volunteer Michael Shannon (centre), flanked by John MacDonald and Jill Smallwood, of the trust.

He said: “They dedicate so much hard work, time and effort. It was great to spend some time with them.”

The longest-serving volunteer at Mansfield Community Hospital was retired midwife Sonia Tate, 70, from Mansfield, who has given 35 years of help by visiting patients on the wards.

Sonia said: “I love what I do. It’s nice to sit and talk to patients, and make them feel at ease.”