Long-Service Volunteers Honoured at Awards Ceremony

On Friday, 13th February, we held the annual Volunteer Long Service Awards, to thank volunteers for their continuing service to Bury Hospice.

The volunteers were invited to the special ceremony, where they were celebrated for devoting five or more years (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 year milestones) to supporting the hospice with their time, hard work, and vast array of skills.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Volunteer Services Coordinator, Joanne Johnson, and was supported by Bury Hospice trustees and senior leadership team.

Volunteer, Anne Senogles, with trustee, Paul Horrocks

The ceremony was followed by a lovely afternoon tea, created by the catering team at the (onsite) Garden View Café, where the volunteers had the chance to meet and chat with one another in a relaxed setting, while being served an assortment of sandwiches, cakes, and brews.

It was great welcoming the volunteers, who serve in roles across all hospice departments, ranging from gardening to fundraising, administration to retail; all were thanked and recognised for their dedication to furthering the cause of palliative and end-of-life care in the community.

Twenty-nine volunteers reached a significant milestone this year, with a combined total of 225 years’ service between them. Over the last 12 months our amazing volunteers have clocked up a staggering 53,910 hours between them.

Volunteer, Mel Clark, with trustee, Dr Kevin Jones

From January-December 2025, 192 inpatients were admitted to Bury Hospice; there were 573 bereavement and family support face-to-face appointments, and 176 Hospice at Night home sits were provided, enabling carers and loved ones to get a nights respite when needed.

These vital services just couldn’t have been provided without the invaluable hours our volunteers dedicate to supporting the hospice.

Such amazing generosity means that any operational monies saved, can be diverted towards offering patients and families the care and support they need, in addition to providing essential training opportunities for staff members.

Volunteer Rita Auty with trustee Clare Lomax

On the day, each volunteer was awarded a certificate denoting their length of service, a special pin badge, and a gift bag of treats, which included a limited edition teddy bear, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Bury Hospice (1991-2026).

In fact, two special volunteers will be honoured at next year’s awards ceremony for being with the hospice from the very beginning – supporting us through all 35 years.

Joanne, said: “Our volunteers play a vital part in the smooth running of our services, and we couldn’t achieve a lot of what we do without their committed support.”

“They are the backbone of Bury Hospice, and it is very important that they are recognised and celebrated for who they are, and for what they lovingly do.”

If you aged 16 or over and would like to volunteer at Bury Hospice, please get in touch. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: 0161 543 9671.

For more information, visit https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/volunteering

To purchase a limited edition 35th anniversary bear (pictured), visit one of the Bury Hospice shops or pop into the hospice to purchase yours at £12 each.