Royal Free Charity volunteers enjoyed a night of celebration at the Royal Free Hospital.

Kate Slemeck, chief executive of the Royal Free Hospital and Christine Fogg, Chair of the Royal Free Charity led the thanks. They congratulated the 400 strong volunteers who give up their time every week in support of patients, staff, carers and visitors at the Hampstead based hospital.

25 volunteers were awarded for length of service – given in multiples of 5 – from 5 years right the way up to 30 years. Irene Fox and Brian Donohoe were the stars of the show, each being awarded the top accolade of 30 years each. Irene and Brian did a variety of roles each including the tea and shop trolley rounds around the wards and now both assist people to find their way around the maze of corridors as part of their role on the volunteer enquiry desks.

Jenny Todd, head of volunteering said: “Each and every one of our volunteers show extraordinary commitment and dedication by giving up their time week in week out in order to support others. This event is our way of thanking them and making sure that they feel recognised for all that they do.”

Royal Free Charity volunteers collectively contributed 70,000 hours of their time to the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust last year, helping to make things  better for staff, patients, carers and visitors.