ST LUKE’S Hospice in Winsford is joining charities nationwide in celebrating the hard work of its volunteers.


Each year more than 800 volunteers donate more than 93,000 hours of time to St Luke’s, both within the hospice and in communities around Cheshire.


A spokesman for St Luke’s Hospice, said: “Between June 1 and 12, organisations all over the UK are celebrating their volunteers, and St Luke’s Hospice is joining the annual celebrations by thanking its volunteers for all of their hard work.


“Our volunteers save the hospice an incredible £600,000 in salaries and boosts the team by the equivalent of 48 full time members of staff. St Luke’s is incredibly grateful for this dedication, which boosts the service that they can provide to people in need.”


Members of the community give up their time for St Luke’s in a variety of ways from working in their charity and coffee shops across mid and south Cheshire, to becoming an eBay researcher or helping at fundraising events throughout the year.


Norma Sproston, who volunteers in Winsford, said: “St Luke’s have been a big support to my husband during his cancer treatment and I wanted to give something back. It is a lovely, friendly team.”


Rita Crabtree, who volunteers at the St Luke’s shop in Northwich, added: “I found myself by doing something really worthwhile.”


St Luke’s has a huge range of volunteer opportunities, many of which have vacancies.


The St Luke’s spokesman added: “There are benefits for volunteers too. With proven health benefits, volunteering is a chance to give back to the community and to St Luke’s, make new friends and gain new skills, whatever your age.”


If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at St Luke’s, contact Pam at volunteer@stlukes-hospice.co.uk or on 01606 555690.