A HOSPICE volunteer has had her years of dedication recognised with a national award.

Eunice Williams, a St Richard’s volunteer from Droitwich, is celebrating after scooping the volunteer of the year award from Help the Hospices, recognising her service over the last 29 years.

Mrs Williams, aged 69, was one of the original volunteers at the hospice when it first began in Droitwich and immediately took on responsibility for the local volunteer group, a duty she continues to this day.

More recently she has helped transform the garden from a “building site” into a “sanctuary” where patients can enjoy spending time.

After receiving her trophy at the charity’s conference in Bournemouth, she dedicated her success to her fellow volunteers.

“This award is in recognition of all the work volunteers do for the hospice,” she said.

“I have made great friendships and had lots of fun, being a volunteer at St Richard’s really adds to my life.

“I lost my mum 38 years ago to cancer and nobody helped her or asked me if I needed any help so I was very keen to become involved with the hospice when it started up to make a difference to others.

“It’s come full circle now with the hospice supporting my sister too.” 

Libby Harris, volunteer services co-ordinator at St Richard’s, said the award was richly deserved.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Eunice has won this award,” she said.

“Over the years, she has taken a wide range of voluntary roles with wonderful grace and enthusiasm displaying a natural empathy with patients.”

She said Mrs Williams had helped out in a wide variety of areas over the years, but that her work in the hospice garden had been particularly inspirational.

“When the hospice moved to its new building in 2006, the grounds were like a building site,” she said.

“Working with a professional gardener and other volunteers, Eunice has developed a dazzling array of different beds and cultivated a wide variety of plants. No area is left un-weeded under Eunice’s capable green fingers.

"The result is that in seven years the hospice has a delightful garden that offers a sanctuary to its patients and wins plaudits from its many visitors.”