LOYAL volunteers and Friends at Holy Cross Hospital took centre stage when they were formally presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Dubbed “the people’s MBE”, the award is the highest accolade that can be given to volunteer groups across the UK and recognises outstanding work carried out in communities for the benefit of others.

The Holy Cross Hospital volunteers and Friends were commended for “improving the quality of life for people with severe and complex neuro-disabilities by providing meaningful social activities”.

Surrey Deputy Lieutenant Caroline Breckell presented a commemorative domed glass crystal, certificate and citation signed by the Queen to Christine Keattch, who has been volunteering at the Shottermill hospital for 18 years and is one of the longest-serving volunteers.

The ceremony was attended by many current and past volunteers and Friends, deputy lieutenants, the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Waverley and the Mayor of Haslemere.

Welcoming guests, Holy Cross chief executive Christopher Hinton said: “I feel honoured the volunteers and Friends have been put forward for this prestigious award.

“Their friendly human contact contributes so much to the quality of life of patients and their families.

“Volunteering has been happening at Holy Cross for nearly 100 years. It began in 1916 when the Sisters acquired the site on which Holy Cross now resides.

“The Sisters encouraged others from the local community to join them by volunteering to help with their work.”

Holy Cross volunteers continue to make a big difference to patients’ lives. They enable a wide-range of activities to be undertaken, as well as outings such as home visits, and trips to the seaside and local amenities.

The work of the volunteers is supported by the fund-raising efforts of the Friends group, which was established in 1960. The money raised pays for activities such as the art group and maintaining the hospital’s senses garden.

The Friends recently agreed to fund the purchase of a minibus to replace one they bought some years ago.

The presentation ended with some warm words of thanks from trustee Sister Mary Agnes, who described the presentation as a “wonderful occasion” and a “great opportunity to get so many volunteers together and to thank them for everything they do”.

lAnyone who is interested in finding out more about volunteering at Holy Cross should contact patient activities co-ordinator Charles Marriott by calling (01428) 643311.