All Aboard!

Loyal Bury Hospice volunteer, Joyce Keeble, honoured with steam train surprise in recognition of 34-years of selfless dedication.

Fred and Joyce Keeble

Bury Hospice volunteer, Joyce Keeble, celebrated 34-years of incredible service with a unique railway experience (on Friday 12th September), honouring a lifetime of care and compassion.

The VIP steam train experience was kindly donated to the hospice by East Lancashire Railway, in celebration of 200 years of rail travel.

Joyce has been volunteering at Bury Hospice since it first opened its doors in 1991.

She attended the anniversary event with her husband, Fred, whom she first met while working on the railways; they’ve both been lifelong train enthusiasts ever since.

The VIP event, which celebrated heritage railways, (their preservation and availability to future generations), was the perfect way of thanking Joyce for her dedication, as well as giving the couple a special day out together.

Joyce and Fred enjoyed a scenic journey with light refreshments aboard the newly renovated Lancashire and Yorkshire Directors Coach, built in 1906, which departed from Bury through the Irwell Valley, up to Rawtenstall, returning to Bury, then heading on to Heywood, before terminating back at Bury.

The VIP service was pulled by the LMS 0-6-0 locomotive 11456 (L&YR 752), built by Beyer Peacock in 1881 – a true piece of railway history.

Lee Kenny, General Manager at East Lancashire Railway, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bury Hospice to drive better collaboration between two prominent Bury based charities and to support our local volunteers.”

Joyce is one of only two volunteers who have been volunteering at Bury Hospice since the very beginning, the other person being, Sandra Morris, who works at the hospice shop on the Rock.

Both women will be celebrating their amazing 35-year milestones next year.

Joanne Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator at Bury Hospice, said: “Joyce has been with us since before we even admitted our first patient at the old Dumers Lane site.”

“She is a great all-rounder who does a lot for the hospice, always keeping busy and occupied for the charity, which means a lot to her.”

Joanne added: “The VIP railway experience seemed such a perfect a way of thanking and recognising Joyce for being at the hospice since day one.”

Joyce and Joanne Johnson with VIP guest invitation

Bury Hospice is grateful to Joyce, Sandra, and all of its incredible volunteers who give their time to support the hospice in so many ways. 

Joyce said: “We had a wonderful day which exceeded all expectations.”

“It has been an honour and privilege to be involved with Bury Hospice for 34 years, and I look forward to continuing for a while longer.”

There are so many opportunities available when you become a volunteer at Bury Hospice, head here to learn more:  https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/volunteering

Train on the move