466,633 hours clocked up by Rotherham Hospice volunteers

They marked National Volunteers Week, which ends on Sunday, by thanking the 1,000-plus people who have given up their time.

Voluntary services manager Tracey Harrison-Marr said: “You cannot put a price on what our volunteers provide. 

“They give the hospice a unique atmosphere, a blend of professionalism and homeliness that gives untold comfort to patients and families.”

The current team of 399 volunteers includes A-level and medical students gaining work experience and many people who have experienced hospice care.

Duties range from gardening, crafts and providing therapies to manning the charity’s nine shops and driving patients to appointments.

Chief executive Chris Duff said: “Our volunteers enhance everything we do. The hospice would be a very different place without them.”

To find out more about volunteering, visit rotherhamhospice.org.uk or call Tracey on 01709 308913.

National Volunteers Week celebrations in Rotherham also included The Big Walk on Tuesday by volunteers and their supporters through the town centre to highlight the work they do.

It is estimated that approximately 49,000 volunteers contribute around 85,300 hours of their time per week to services and activities in the Rotherham district.