A royal thank you for three dedicated volunteers

Three of our long-serving volunteers enjoyed a very special day at Buckingham Palace recently, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the Hospice.

Steve and Pauline Giblin, from Ashton-under-Lyne, and Colin Hearnshaw, from Dukinfield, were invited to Royal Garden Parties after being nominated by senior members of the Hospice team.

Steve and Pauline have dedicated a combined 31 years of volunteering to Willow Wood. Steve, a former Environmental Health Officer with Tameside Council, supports the fundraising team, volunteers as a photographer and has served as a Hospice trustee for the past year.

Pauline, who worked in NHS administration for 32 years, began volunteering in the lymphedema clinic before moving to the wellbeing team. She is also a member of the Willow Wood Hospice Choir, sits on the Flower Festival committee and helps with the monthly Coffee Mornings. Together, they continue to play a vital role.

The couple’s invitation now has pride of place, framed in their home.

Pauline said: “It was a surprise and an honour to receive our invitation to attend the first of this year’s royal garden parties, hosted by his Majesty, King Charles.

“On arrival at the Palace that day, we were warmly welcomed through the main gates by Palace staff and security officers and promptly treated to the most delicious afternoon tea, before strolling through the beautiful gardens in the grounds of the Palace.

“It was almost like being on the set of a film, with everyone dressed in beautiful outfits and all this accompanied by the band playing by the lake – it was quite a surreal experience.

“The arrival of the Yeomen of the Guard signalled the imminent appearance of the Royal Family – their Majesties the King and Queen, The Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

“It was truly a day we will never forget and we are so grateful for having been given that opportunity to attend a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.”

Colin Hearnshaw, 86, attended a second Garden Party with his youngest son, Keith.

A volunteer complementary therapist for 20 years, Colin has provided Reiki support to thousands of patients since joining Willow Wood in 2006 after retiring as a music teacher. Alongside his weekly volunteering role, he has shared his knowledge with fellow volunteers, doctors, nurses and carers, helping them develop their skills and gain qualifications.

Colin said: “It was a pleasant surprise to receive the invitation in the post a few months ago. It was a huge honour to be one of around 2,000 people there – my youngest son Keith and I had a great day out. It was a marvellous occasion and a real privilege. The gardens were beautiful.”

As he celebrates 20 years of volunteering, Colin says he hopes to continue supporting Willow Wood for as long as possible – a sentiment that perfectly reflects the dedication shown by all three volunteers honoured at Buckingham Palace.