Volunteers at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which runs Mansfield Community, King’s Mill and Newark hospitals, have been commended for their support after carrying out a total of 915 years’ volunteering between them.

Three award ceremonies were held to thank the volunteers for their dedication and long service.

Awards included long-service medals and certificates, which were given in appreciation of service ranging from five to 40 years and were presented to 73 volunteers by trust chairman Peter Marks.

King’s Mill volunteer Dianne Kerry, who has been volunteering for 40 years, said: “My 40 years have been so happy and it has been a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life. I have found working in the Welcome Treatment Centre rewarding and
I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the brilliant staff and patients on the unit.”

Jane Packman, who has been volunteering at Mansfield Community Hospital for 25 years, said: “I have enjoyed my time at the hospital, it has been a great way for me to meet new people and help others.”

Peter said: “It was a great honour to present the awards to our volunteers, who have provided much appreciated support to our patients across the trust, as well as providing valued support to our staff, enabling them to deliver a range of high-quality patient services.

“Our volunteers are involved in a wide variety of services and such tremendous support does make a great difference to our hospitals. They should all be proud of their achievements.”

Pictured is Jane Packman, centre, with Peter Marks and Barbara Joule, chairman of the Hospital League of Friends (Mansfield and Sutton).