We held a special Christmas lunch at The Cranleigh in Hornchurch on Monday 9 December for volunteers who give up their time to help us.

We’ve got around 400 volunteers who support our staff and patients in a variety of roles across our hospitals. This event was to thank them for everything they do for us.

Jeffrey Marks, 77, from Hornchurch, volunteers on Mandarin B at Queen’s Hospital as a ward helper.

He first started volunteering at the former King George Hospital site 25 years ago and moved to Queen’s Hospital eight years ago. He comes in two days a week to cut patients’ hair and help them eat their meals.

There’s people worse off than I am so if I can give a little bit back and help them, that’s all the better. The patients all thank me for what I do and it’s very rewarding.

Patricia Pawley, 88, from Rainham, volunteers on Sahara A ward at Queen’s Hospital. Patricia sadly lost her husband a year ago and decided to volunteer because of the ‘lovely’ care he received in our hospital.

She volunteers one day a week helping in the kitchen to take meals round, make patients cups of tea and tops up their water jugs.

Christopher Tang, 19, from Chigwell, wants to study medicine in the future and he comes in at the same time as Patricia to help in the kitchen.

He said:

It’s seeing patients happy because they appreciate what you do, it makes a difference to them.

Patricia said:

It’s nice to come to an event like this and you also get to meet people.

Ellen Haynes, our volunteer and engagement facilitator, said:

We’re so grateful for the time and dedication our volunteers give. They make such a big contribution to patient care across our hospitals. The Christmas lunch was a really nice treat and everyone enjoyed themselves.