Two volunteers are leaving to start their second retirements after clocking up an impressive total of 17 years’ service helping on our Alexandra Ward.

Betty Jones, 88, has volunteered for seven years at the side of her friend, 70-year-old Vera Corbett MBE, who was given a 10 year long service award last month.

Vera, who started helping at our Apley hospice in Telford when it opened in 2008, told us: “It has been grand volunteering alongside Betty, we are now firm friends.

“Volunteering at Severn Hospice has been a part of life and it has been a pleasure; my time here has been so rewarding, really marvelous.

“People might think that a hospice is sad but it is not, it is a happy, special place, full of love and care.

“It is such a wonderful environment and every patient I have helped has said that – without exception. They like the peace, care and freedom here.”

Over 1,400 volunteers support us to help families living with incurable illness across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.

Betty added:  “I have enjoyed pottering around the wards and chatting with everyone – being an ex-nurse, I love people and I love to talk.

“Vera and I have made lots of friends with staff and other volunteers and have had great repartee with patients and their families.”

The pair are determined to stay friends with everyone and come back for cups of tea.

While Betty, an ex-nurse who started her career at Birmingham General Hospital in 1947, is looking forward to her second retirement, Vera will apparently be off ‘gallivanting like Judith Chalmers’.

Voluntary and support services manager, Phil Brannon, said: “We cannot thank Betty and Vera enough for their precious time and dedication over the years. Vera and Betty, you will be missed.”

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