Where volunteers took centre stage, paws and all
Around 150 volunteers came together in the Great Hall at St Bartholomew's Hospital for a joyful festive celebration dedicated to thanking them for the extraordinary difference they make throughout the year. The event was kindly supported by Barts Charity, whose generosity helped make the evening possible.
The historic space was filled with warmth, laughter and festive spirit as volunteers enjoyed great food, music and plenty of surprises. From the colourful creations of Miss Ballooniverse to a much loved photobooth and a silent disco that quickly filled the dance floor, the evening was designed to celebrate connection, fun and appreciation.
One of the highlights for many was the visit from therapy pets Isabel with Mr London Meow, and Darren with Pippa, who brought smiles, calm moments and a lot of excitement as they moved around the room meeting volunteers. Their presence was a reminder of the many different ways care, comfort and kindness show up across our hospitals.
The evening also included heartfelt speeches, including words of thanks from Shane DeGaris, our group chief executive, and colleagues, who spoke about the vital role volunteers play every single day. From supporting patients and families, to helping staff and shaping services, the impact of volunteering was front and centre.
A particularly moving moment of the night was recognising long service volunteers. The room paused to applaud those who have given years, and in many cases decades, of their time:
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10 volunteers celebrating over 20 years of service
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31 volunteers celebrating over 10 years
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93 volunteers celebrating over 5 years
Among those recognised were some truly remarkable individuals.
Margaret Brown was celebrated for more than 30 years of dedicated service at Whipps Cross Hospital. Over three decades, Margaret has supported patients and families in roles including bereavement counsellor, patient panel member and Active Responder. Her compassion, advocacy for the NHS and unwavering belief in the importance of kindness have left a lasting mark on everyone she has worked with.
Valerie Codling marked 22 years of volunteering at the Woodlands Centre, where she has been a constant source of comfort for patients attending chemotherapy. Through warm smiles, gentle reassurance and simple acts of care, Valerie has supported thousands of patients during some of their most difficult moments.
Daniel Williams was recognised for 23 years supporting the Guild Trolley Service. Known for his infectious energy and joyful spirit, Daniel has spent more than two decades bringing comfort, conversation and smiles to patients, visitors and staff alike.
It was a celebration not just of years of service, but of the compassion, generosity and humanity that volunteers bring to our hospitals every day.
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