Hospice volunteers recognised at prestigious awards

The red carpet was rolled out for two remarkable St. Joseph’s Hospice volunteers at the 800 Group’s second Community Volunteer Awards at Bradbury Fields in Liverpool on 14th September.

Volunteers Mark Dickinson and John Spicer received community volunteer awards for their dedication and commitment to the Thornton-based hospice.

The 800 Group consists of eight Merseyside charities, with over 800 years of charitable service between them. These awards are a celebration of Merseyside volunteers who go the extra mile and are an inspiration to others.

Mark has been a volunteer at the St. Joseph’s Hospice charity shop in Maghull for seven months. He is a fantastic support to the shop manager and has a lovely manner with the customers. Nothing is too much trouble for Mark and he is a huge asset to the hospice.

John is a volunteer at the hospice’s charity shop in Ormskirk and is well loved by everyone, staff and customers alike. He has a great eye for detail and produces some stunning window displays, which always get lots of fabulous feedback. John has transformed the Ormskirk shop by arranging the rails and putting pictures for sale up on the walls and colour coordinating items.

Siobhan Clinton, volunteer co-ordinator at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “Our two award winners were nominated by their shop manager for the support they provide to her, the team of volunteers in the shop and for their kind manner with the customers.

“We would like to congratulate Mark and John on their award and thank them for the contribution they have made to the hospice.”

Dil Daly, 800 Group Chairman, said: “Volunteers are an important part of the fabric of society and in these days of austerity their role is becoming increasingly important, we wanted to reflect this by paying tribute to some of our outstanding volunteers. Our volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.”

Pictured (l-r): Mark Dickinson and John Spicer receive their awards.