Order of Mercy Awards 2014

Seven volunteers from Attend member groups received the Order of Mercy in recognition of their outstanding voluntary efforts in hospitals.

Mrs Mildred Cooper, Mrs Joan Doubleday, Mr David Hawkins, Mrs Christine Lunn, Mrs Joyce Malpas, Mrs Patricia Parcell and Mrs Jane Perry received the prestigious award at the Mansion House, London on the 28th July 2014.

The Order of Mercy is a Victorian award made every year by the League of Mercy Foundation, which was established in 1899 to build a body of voluntary workers to assist with the maintenance of voluntary hospitals. When the 1948 National Health Act abolished these hospitals, the League was quietly wound up but their Order of Mercy award lives on to recognise contributions by volunteers in hospitals across the UK.

This year 24 awards were given, including the seven to the Attend member volunteers who had between them volunteered for well over 125 years.

Mrs Mildred Cooper has been a volunteer for 24 years with The Sheffield Teaching Hospital's League of Friends. She joined The Hospice Service of Outpatients service which greets new patients from the Ambulance Service and she checks in their needs and their return journeys. She supervised this service for 3 years and has been a committee member for 20 years. During this time she contributed greatly to the various fundraising activities.

Mrs Joan Doubleday has given 33 years of voluntary service to Nottingham City Hospital. Her stalwart and tireless work to fund-raise and take a detailed interest in the welfare and needs of patients resulted in huge donations being made to The Prostate Cancer Appeal, The Cystic Fibrosis Unit and the purhase of sundry large items of medical equipment. She has been Chairman of The League of Friends for 10 years.

Mr David Hawkins was nominated by the League of Friends of Crawley Hospital for helping to organise the many activities that bring in much needed funds. He has for 20 years been, a Committee member (taking over from his father who was The Friends' Founding Treasurer) and then Vice-Chairman. His nominees vouch for his tireless dedication to encourage many local residents to contribute to this worthy cause and his ever-willingness to perform the numerous tasks that help the charity to succeed.

Mrs Christine Lunn nominated by The Friends of Darlington Hospital, was a nurse before moving into hospital administration. She then volunteered to drive patients to and from the hospital and then took on the demanding role of being Secretary of The Friends. This role she fulfils admirably for she deals with all the admin and manages and banks the monies from the shop, tea-bar and donations. She organises an award-winning car service of twelve volunteer drivers. In addition it must be mentioned that she is active in The Darlington Inner Wheel and The Clervaux Trust which proves that her volunteering track record is second to none.

Mrs Joyce Malpas joined The Guild of The Royal Hospital of St. Bartholomew in 1968 and soon particpated in several activities that provided amenities for the patients and staff. She is still as active as ever in The Guild Shop and in organising the trolley service. She has held various positions on the Council of Management namely Hon. Secretary, Vice Chair, Chair, Vice President and President. All helpers love working with Joyce for she embodies the spirit of a fine volunteer. 

Mrs Patricia Parcell was recommended by The League of Friends of Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen. Her loyal service for 23 years, her integrity, approachability and willingness to help in whatever capacity is infectious, and she is well-recognised as a keen ambassador who encourages others to partake in voluntary work. Her referees praise her book selling ability, collection at local stores, twice yearly fairs and the purchasing and wrapping of gifts for all 400 patients at Christmas time. She spreads her cheer where ever she is.

Mrs Jane Perry was nominated by The Friends of Queen Mary's Hospital Roehampton. She began as their Hon. Secretary in 2001, then became a Trustee, then Chairman when she steered The Friends through many upheavals when the 'old' hospital closed and the new, far more comprehensive community hospital began. In the new scenario Jane recruited and trained all the voluteers and now 30 people organise and run a vast amount of activities, facilities and events for the many patients it serves. Her referees and the staff speak extremely warmly about her and value her kindness, support and guidance.