Fond farewell to a dedicated volunteer

Staff and volunteers gathered in the garden recently to bid fond farewell to volunteer driver Geoffrey Parker.

After hearing an appeal for Hospice volunteers on the radio he has dedicated more than 20 years to the charity becoming a familiar face and a much-loved volunteer.

Geoffrey said: “This is my 23rd year as a volunteer and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute.

“When I retired on my 61st birthday in 1992 I got home and my wife gave me two lists. One was a list of when the weather was fine and the other for when the weather was foul. After spending 18 months making my way through the lists I heard an advert on radio Suffolk, the Hospice was appealing for volunteer drivers. I thought well I could do that – so I did.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the hospice. It has been wonderful. The patients have been nice, the staff nice, it is just a nice place. I have loved been a member such a wonderful team.”

In his 23 years Geoffrey, who previously worked selling agricultural equipment, must have covered thousands of miles as he helped the people we care for attend our services, and having only gotten lost once after taking a wrong turn, he has defiantly proved himself an invaluable volunteer.

Ursula Noyce said: “I just wanted to say, on behalf of everybody a huge thank you to Geoffrey. You have been loyal, dedicated – there are just not the words – you have been wonderful.”

After being presented with gifts from the Orchard Team, Geoffrey explained: “You have all come here to say thank you to me, but really I should be the one saying thank you to you all. It has been a joy and a pleasure being part of the team, and I will miss you all very much.”