Celebrating Peter - The Order of Mercy Volunteering Award

We’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to one of our wonderful ward helpers, Peter Wood, 81, who has been awarded the “Order of Mercy Volunteering Award”, by The League of Mercy Foundation. Woohoo!

This prestigious award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding voluntary work in their community – this year only 25 medals were granted nationwide to volunteers who have served at least seven years supporting others.

We couldn’t be prouder of Peter, who has been volunteering as a ward helper with us since 1995. His kindness and support mean the world to us and have made such a huge difference in the lives of our patients and their families at St Oswald’s Hospice.

Talking about the award, Peter said:

“It’s an incredible honour to receive The Order of Mercy Volunteering Award. Volunteering at St Oswald’s Hospice has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life.”

He added with a smile…

“I feel privileged to be recognised in this way, but the real reward has always been the connections I’ve made with the patients and staff.”

A former trustee, Peter volunteers as a ward helper every Monday. He arrives with a smile, ready to serve meals on the supper shift. He enjoys supporting the nurses on our Adult Inpatient Unit.

The Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield, President of the League of Mercy said “Mr Wood is a marvellous example of someone whose longstanding and voluntary dedication to the service and welfare of others is noteworthy and remarkable. We were delighted to be able to present this well-deserved award to him.

Talking about his experiences over the years, Peter said:

“I enjoy my role because it serves a purpose. I see so many of our patients showing such great strength in the final stages of their lives, it really touches me that I get to be a part of that. By serving meals and talking to our patients, I can help to create a connection at a time when it’s most needed.

He continued:

“One of my favourite and longstanding memories is talking to a patient in 1999 who had served in the Second World War. He told me he was sent to North Africa and shared stories about the war and friends that he knew at the time. I felt so privileged he had chosen to share these with me – I could have listened to him for hours.”

Peter’s experience of end-of-life care tragically became personal, when his sister died in a hospice in Wales in 2006.

The ward staff at the time supported him through his grief and he was extremely grateful for that, as he explained:

“When my sister died, the team were wonderful and helped me so much. A few people commented that it must have been hard for me to continue in my role as a ward helper. And I know it sounds strange – but it was the opposite. Being at St Oswald’s Hospice was a positive outlet for me. I knew that I could make a difference to our patients and that helped me to continue during that difficult time in my life.”

Peter has also made a friend for life, as Kathy, one of our ward helpers, has volunteered on the same shift with him since 1997. Chatting about their relationship, he said:

“Kathy and I support each other. We also train new ward helpers who are usually hoping to start a career in medicine. It’s lovely to be at the start of their journey. I enjoy teaching them about the importance of community spirit – as that’s essentially what I do as a ward helper.”

Commenting on the award, Susan Freeman, our Volunteering Manager, said:

“Peter is truly inspiring, His recognition with the Order of Mercy Volunteering Award highlights the selfless dedication of him and all our volunteers. Their commitment, regardless of where or how long they volunteer, makes an immense impact on our patients and families.

“As Volunteering Manager, I am continually moved by the generosity and compassion our volunteers bring every day. They are the heart of our hospice community, and Peter’s award is a testament to the profound difference our volunteers make.”

A huge congratulations go to Peter from all of us!