VOLUNTEERS Week, an annual event which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make to organisations across the country, is currently underway.

During the week Grove House, now part of Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care, recognises the enormous contribution made by its team of loyal and dedicated volunteers, both in the hospice and in patients’ homes.

It is estimated that in the UK today more than 18 million people give their time voluntarily. At Grove House more than 500 local supporters volunteer freely to help the hospice continue to deliver its range of high quality services.

Voluntary services manager, Wendy Burns, said: “We are very fortunate here at Grove House to have such a loyal and reliable team of people who give their time freely to help others. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful volunteers for the tremendous work they do; their contribution makes a real difference to the lives of local people living with cancer.”

Volunteers feature in so many aspects of work at the hospice; the beautiful gardens are tended by Sue Hobley and her team of volunteer gardeners, the cancer information office is staffed by a rota of volunteers and patients are greeted at reception with a warm smile from the volunteer receptionists.

Trained volunteers can undertake home visits to patients as well as helping in the day hospice and on the Cancer the Next Step course.

Grove House shops could not continue to contribute more than �80,000 annually to the running costs of the hospice without their stalwart teams of sorters and salespeople.

Major fundraising events, such as the Midnight Walk on Saturday, June 25, and the Herts 10k on Sunday, October 10, are key to helping the hospice raise its current running costs of �1.5 million.

For these huge events to run smoothly, the fundraising department relies on the good will of hundreds of volunteers.

Events manager Jane Divito said: “Our volunteers are the backbone of our events and even a few hours can make a huge difference. Currently we really need more help with our Midnight Walk on Saturday, June 25. Please contact us as soon as possible if you can spare a few hours at this great event.”

If you are able to help or would like to find out more about volunteering at Grove House phone Sinead on 01727 731002 or visit www.grove-house.org.uk