RECEPTIONISTS, retail store workers, fundraisers and outpatient support. These are just some of the roles volunteers play at St Michael’s Hospice.

And as part of Volunteers Week (June 1-8) staff at the Aldermaston Road facility wanted to say thank you to all those people who give up their time to support the hospice.

On Thursday, 7 June around 120 of the hospice’s long serving volunteers were honoured at an awards presentation in the well-being lounge.

These volunteers have given their support to the hospice in some form from between 10 – 25 plus years.

Ahead of the presentation chairman of the board of trustees Andrew Finney said: “So many people have given their time to what I like to call the St Michael’s family.

“St Michael’s would not be here if it was not for you and all the hard work and commitment which you continue to show.”

One of the longest serving volunteers at the event was 72-year-old Wendy Ray, who has been supporting the hospice for more than 30 years.

When asked how it all started she said: “I was having coffee with a friend who was setting up an event back in the early days of the hospice and she asked if me and a friend would come along so at least some people turned up, after that I just kept getting involved and here we are 30 years later.

“The biggest thing for me is making people feel more relaxed, you see people who have this terrible news and don’t know how to react, but just have a friendly face can go a long way.”

Volunteer receptionist affectionately known and Monday Margret, Margret West, was honoured for her 15 years of service.

She said: “When I retired I sort of felt like I had lost my worth, but by volunteering even if it is being a smile and a greeting at the door I feel like I am doing my part.”

There are more than 760 volunteers who support the hospice, which saves the service an estimated £700,000 per year.

Voluntary services manager at St Michael’s, Helena Maskell said: “Volunteers are more than just an extra pair of hands.

“Their knowledge, expertise, passion and enthusiasm are essential to the hospice.”