This week is national Volunteers Week, and the Trust would like to thank all our supporters for their hard work, non-stop smiles and dedication helping us to care for our patients.

Carol Armitage has been a volunteer for 34 years and she started originally at Mill Hill stacking the sweet trolley. She then moved on to join the hostesses - now the meet and greets - at the main entrance at HRI. In 1996 she set up a group of volunteers for ward 3 and has been there ever since.

She said: “I have always enjoyed being a volunteer. I wanted to do something worthwhile after my children had grown up. It helps me keep in touch with people, helping patients and helping staff. It also keeps me out of mischief!”