Helpers receive length of service awards from patrons Mary King MBE and Mike Welch.

‘Wonderful’ volunteers at Sidmouth Hospiscare have been praised for their commitment to support those with life-limiting illnesses.

Charity patrons Mary King MBE and Mike Welch attended an event at the Blue Ball Inn to recognise volunteers who have helped for five years or more.

Dedicated volunteers support the patients in a number of ways, including a free transport service for patients to appointments. The fleet of drivers covered 17,500 miles from April 2015 to 2016, the equivalent of driving 20 times from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

The volunteers also offer vital sitting and companionship services and support for families who have lost a loved one.

Carol Laird received a certificate for 15 years of service as a volunteer driver.

She said: “Driving for Sidmouth Hospiscare has enabled me to give something back to the community, and has also given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people with interesting stories to tell.”

Dr Barry Lowden, chairman of the charity, thanked the volunteers for their ‘continued support, commitment and valuable time’.

The 13 volunteers recognised on the evening were: Cliff Jones, Sue Dorey, Patricia Palmer, Dieter Ritz, Sandra Iris, Nick Povey, Carol Laird, Julia Burdekin, Tom Flood, Tom Griffiths, Rod Harris, Andy Ridler and Trish Sulaimani.