A DEDICATED volunteer who gives up more than 600 hours a year to care for patients at a Worcester hospice has seen his kindness and compassion recognised with a top international award.

David Purdham, of Powick, near Worcester, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the International Journal of Palliative Nursing in recognition of his efforts at the in-patient unit of St Richard’s Hospice over the last five years.

Mr Purdham, who is 72, cycles the four miles from his home to the hospice in Wildwood Drive several times a week and spends his time talking to patients and visitors and even serenading the unit with his talents as a pianist.

He has also raised hundreds of pounds fund-raising for the hospice, with challenges including a 12-hour night-time cycle ride through London last June.

St Richard’s volunteer services co-ordinator Libby Harris said the award was thoroughly deserved, describing Mr Purdham as “a constant source of optimism to patients, families, friends, staff and fellow volunteers. Nothing is too much trouble. He greets visitors and is particularly supportive of people coming into the hospice for the first time. He takes enormous trouble to put people at their ease by explaining things to them in a very gentle and empathetic way. “He always knows the appropriate thing to say and do to help people manage the situation in which they find themselves, which can be very distressing.”

A carer who met Mr Purdham while her partner spent his final days on the in-patient unit added: “David was a constant source of love and support.

“He cared without being intrusive and instinctively knew what we needed without being asked. It is clear that he derives great satisfaction and enjoyment from supporting the terminally ill and their families and they benefit in return.”

Mr Purdham said it was “mind blowing” to be nominated for the award, let alone to win.

“I feel a great sense of privilege volunteering at St Richard’s and I am constantly aware of working alongside consummate professionals who put love and compassion for our patients and families at the heart of everything they do,” he said.

The awards were a double success for St Richard’s, with nurse specialist team leader Vanessa Gibson winning third prize in the Palliative Care Nurse of the Year category.

Mrs Gibson, of Evesham, leads a team of 14 specialist nurses and is in charge of its rapidly growing Hospice at Home service.

She said: “I was amazed to be nominated for this award and reach the final three. The award reflects the efforts and commitment of both my teams to delivering high standards of patient care.”