Three Leeds locals who have volunteered at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for a combined 48 years have been recognised for their work in supporting people receiving palliative care.
Pam Boyd, 76, Melvyn Sumroy, 80, and Ann Miller, 73, who have each volunteered for more than 15 years, have been honoured with a special Certificate of Commendation by the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Sue Baker. The High Sheriff presented the awards to Melyvn and Pam at a special ceremony at the Headingley hospice on Tuesday 14 February 2023, while Ann will receive hers at an event next month.
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is located in Headingley, Leeds and provides expert palliative care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting conditions across Leeds, as well as supporting their families. We also offer community services for people who prefer to receive palliative care at home. Pam Boyd, who lives in Wortley, was inspired to volunteer to give back for the compassionate care and support she and her husband received in 2007. She said:
“People often say to me that it’s very good of me to volunteer, but I don’t feel like that as it’s a two-way thing and I think I get out of it as much, if not more, than I put in. I don’t do it for appreciation but it’s so lovely to have received this award.
“Some people might not feel comfortable going back to the place where their loved one has died, but I don’t feel like that. In fact, when I was able to come back and start volunteering again after the coronavirus pandemic, walking through the door felt just like coming home.”
Melvyn Sumroy, from Moortown, recently retired after 18 years of service as a volunteer driver. He says that the time has flown because of how much he enjoyed interacting with patients:
“Those 18 years really have not seemed like a long time to me. I gave up only one day of the week to pick up people needing Sue Ryder’s care and during that time you spend with them you do all you can to make them feel as comfortable as you can. Every day I volunteered at the hospice was a pleasure. I’ve met such wonderful people.”
Ann Miller, who lives in Alwoodley, has spent the last 15 years supporting the Day Therapy unit, working directly with patients who attend the hospice for much-needed support, care and symptom management. She said:
“I just love helping people and trying to make their day better than they thought it was going to be. As a volunteer you meet different people all the time and you just feel that you’re doing something useful. I would highly recommend it to anyone.”
To recognise their many years of dedication and commitment to the hospice, Pam, Melvyn and Ann have been honoured with the High Sheriffs’ Certificate of Commendation, which is only awarded to a very small number of individuals and organisations.
Explaining why they were worthy recipients of the award, Sue Baker, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire said:
“One of the main responsibilities I have in my role is to promote the welfare, wellbeing and prosperity of the county and all its people, and to support and encourage all those who give their time, skills and effort for the benefit of others. People who volunteer never expect to do it for thanks or recognition, but that’s why I’m so pleased to be able to present Pam, Melvyn and Ann with these well-deserved commendations.”
Paul Musgrave, Service Director at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice added:
“Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting the running of our services and are an essential part of everything we do. Their passion, dedication and skills help make it possible for us to be there when it matters for people going through the most difficult times of their lives. We are hugely grateful to Pam, Melvyn and Ann for their ongoing commitment to our hospice and it has been wonderful to see them recognised by the High Sheriff in this way.”
Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – we’re there when it matters. For over 65 years our doctors, nurses and carers have given people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.
In order to continue to provide and develop our services and expert care we rely predominantly on income from our charity shops, fundraising activities, and donations from members of the public.
For further information on Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, and the services it provides, please visit: www.sueryder.org
