Amazing Audrey has given three decades as a North Devon Hospice volunteer

This week, North Devon Hospice’s volunteer co-ordinator Sue Friend describes the achievements of one very special volunteer who recently marked an astonishing 30 years of volunteering at the hospice…

Last month marked a very special milestone for one of our amazing volunteers, Audrey Isaac, who received her Length of Service Award after volunteering with North Devon Hospice for an incredible 30 years.

Looking back on her time with us, I recall first meeting Audrey when I joined North Devon Hospice seven years ago.

I was visiting one of our hospice shops, just getting to know as many staff and volunteers as possible when I came across her. I remember her beaming smile.

The first thing she did was offer me a cup of tea and then proudly gave me a tour of ‘her’ shop. It was evident how much pride Audrey had for ‘her’ shop as well as her passion for the work of the hospice.

Her shop manager and fellow volunteers all spoke so highly of Audrey; it was clear how well-liked she was, and still is.

I didn’t know it at that time, just what an important and extraordinary lady Audrey is but over the past seven years, I have discovered Audrey to be one of the most humble, caring ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

As I settled into my role, it wasn’t long before I heard Audrey’s name being mentioned not just about her wonderful volunteering but also in connection with various donations from local care homes and concerts.

I soon realised Audrey was just as busy raising funds and sharing news about the hospice when she wasn’t volunteering as when she was!

Since then, I have come to know Audrey as one of our kindest and most loyal volunteers. Her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm never cease to amaze me; she is one of those people who offers genuine warmth to others without expecting anything in return.

I know her fellow retail volunteers highly respect Audrey’s experience - after all, she has been volunteering for more than 30 years! And it’s not just her colleagues who love her but our customers too, who often visit our No.9 charity shop just to have a quick welcoming chat with Audrey, invariably ending up buying something while they’re there. She doesn’t miss a trick!

Over the years, Audrey has dedicated so much of her time and energy into supporting the work of the hospice and in that time, has made an astonishing contribution through her concerts, knitting, and numerous other fundraising ideas she’s had.

I believe her fundraising efforts have amounted to somewhere in the region of £120,000 which is a phenomenal figure for anyone, let alone someone who is well into retirement!

So, a few weeks ago, when our chief executive Stephen presented Audrey with her Length of Service award here at Deer Park, I genuinely couldn’t feel prouder.

It’s amazing people like Audrey who make it possible for us to be here to care for, comfort, and support patients and families across North Devon journeying through their toughest times.

Today, I want to congratulate Audrey once again on such a remarkable milestone and share my heartfelt thanks to her as well as our other wonderful volunteers who help to make the hospice a truly special place.