Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust celebrates volunteers at special awards ceremony in Wakefield
The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has celebrated the volunteers who have given their time freely to support patients, families and colleagues across their three hospitals.
17 dedicated volunteers were honoured at a special Long Service Awards ceremony at Wakefield Town Hall – which recognises between five and 35 years of service.
This special ceremony allowed the Trust to thank volunteers who have supported Pontefract and Pinderfields hospitals over the past year, with awards presented by Coun Maureen Tennant-King, Mayor of Wakefield.
Among the honourees was Charlie Keith, who has achieved an incredible 35 years of service, with much of his volunteering for the Trust’s hospital radio station and MY Hospitals Charity.
When asked about highlights from his time at the Trust so far, Charlie said: “One of the nicest things I’ve done is support the Children’s Burns Unit.
"It was amazing to host discos and give children and their families an opportunity to enjoy themselves and take a break.
"People would come to me and say, ‘How much do I owe you to do that?’ and I would say ‘You owe me nothing because if you wanted something doing, I’d run there’.
“I also work heavily with MY Hospitals Charity to make sure it has a high profile because people want to show their generosity and support. “There’s a lot of people out there who want to give something back and volunteering is an avenue to do that.”
MY Hospitals Charity is the registered NHS Charity that supports Dewsbury, Pinderfields and Pontefract hospials.
In welcoming volunteers to the event, Keith Ramsay, Chair of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “The amazing thing about our volunteers is they come from every part of our communities in the Wakefield and Kirklees District.
"Every one of you brings something special - not just your skills, experience and character, but also your compassion and kindness.
“What you give can’t be measured in money and the gift of time and your personalities really is priceless for our hospitals and community services. You provide immeasurable comfort to our patients, their families, and our staff.”
To learn more about volunteering for Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, visit: www.midyorks.nhs.uk/volunteering.