Top award for dedicated volunteer from the League of Mercy

One of our volunteers was filled with pride as he was honoured for his dedicated service with a prestigious award.

Michael Golston was presented with the League of Mercy ’s Order of Mercy at a special presentation event in London.

Michael, who lives in Bury, said: “I was nominated by the Hospice, and it was a little bit of a surprise at first. I was embarrassed but incredibly proud. It was unexpected but I am very grateful.

“The whole day was fantastic, speaking to the people at the event and hearing about what they do really was humbling. As volunteers we are not used to shouting about what we do, we all volunteer because we want to give something back and enjoy it.”

Michael, who has been a volunteer  for 10 years, started as a driver. Over the years he has expanded his role and is now a firm fixture in our Finance Team as well.

“After I retired a friend, who was a volunteer in the Hospice’s kitchen at the time, suggested volunteering could be something I would enjoy.

“I came along to a garden party and met the woman who at that time was in charge of transport and she snapped me up as a driver,” said Michael.

Donations Manager Roger Whomes, accompanied Michael to the presentation event, which he said was an ‘honour and privilege’.

If there ever was a full-time volunteer than it must be Michael.

Roger said: “From his early days as a driver he was invited to help fundraising with opening news envelopes and from then on he has taken more and more jobs.

“He still drives and brings patients in from all corners of our area often starting early and getting home late, an average month will see him doing some 821 miles for the Hospice and those are just the ones he claims for.”

Michael’s invaluable efforts also see him ensure the Hospice’s ward is kept supplied with everything it needs and he can often be seen taking patients to the hospital for blood tests.

His maths skills also come in useful as he prepares money for banking as well as collecting it from the Hospice’s retail shops, even working on Saturdays to pick up flowers from a supermarket when they are no longer needed.

If you are interested in volunteering for St Nicholas Hospice Care, please click here to get in touch.