A HUGE thank you has been given to big-hearted volunteers who gave up more than 80,000 hours of their time to support St Luke's in the past year.

The hospice says they 'simply could not exist without its volunteers'.

During national Volunteers’ Week which runs until June 7, staff at the hospice are thanking volunteers for their loyal support and highlighting the difference they make.

Matron Wendy Wilson said: “I regularly see the contribution volunteers make to our patients and their families. Whether it’s stopping for a chat, making a cup of tea, providing a relaxing hand massage, driving patients home or simply offering a listening ear, our volunteers help to make St Luke’s the wonderful and caring place it is.

“I also know there are so many more volunteers making a difference to St Luke’s every day by working in our shops, welcoming visitors to reception, ensuring our gardens look beautiful, sorting through donations, helping with administration and supporting our fundraising events.

“Over the past 12 months, they have collectively contributed more than 80,000 hours of their valuable time, which is just incredible. I am not exaggerating when I say that our hospice simply could not exist without its volunteers!”

Steve Harrison started volunteering for St Luke’s when he was made redundant in 2012.

He secured another job later that year but still volunteers one Saturday a month at the furniture warehouse on Winsford Industrial Estate.

Steve said: “I like the interaction with the general public and I like to think that I’m helping the hospice. If I sell a table for £30 then that’s £30 that the hospice can use.

READ > 'Youth club for the over 50s' gives people a new lease of life

"I really enjoy it and have a great sense of wellbeing at the day of the day, especially if we’ve had a good day and made lots of money. I would encourage anyone to volunteer for St Luke’s. Come on down and we’ll make you welcome!”

For more information about volunteering with St Luke’s visit slhospice.co.uk/volunteer or email St Luke’s volunteer co-ordinator pamela.ford@slhospice.co.uk.