Dedicated Kevin Redfern is Volunteer of the Year

Dedicated volunteer Kevin Redfern has picked up a top award after a decade of service to Ashgate Hospice.
Ashgate hospice volunteers. Kevin Redfern volunteer of the year 2016.Ashgate hospice volunteers. Kevin Redfern volunteer of the year 2016.
Ashgate hospice volunteers. Kevin Redfern volunteer of the year 2016.

He has been named Volunteer of the Year for his gardening work at the hospice.

Kevin, 59, of Holmebank East, Ashgate, Chesterfield, said: “Ashgate Hospice is marvellous, if I didn’t come here, I would be lost - I would have nothing to do. I have made lots of friends since being here.”

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He’s busy six hours a day, four days a week at the hospice, where his duties include sweeping paths, clearing leaves and snow and painting.

Kevin is one of ten volunteers who keep the extensive grounds at the hospice in tip-top condition.

Head gardener Steve Norris said: “It is such a massive area to cover and I couldn’t do it all without people such as Kevin helping me out.

“Kevin is a star worker. He is such a hard grafter, gets stuck in, is always reliable and very punctual.”

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Lucy Nickson, chief executive of Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are delighted that Kevin has been honoured for his outstanding commitment to volunteering at Ashgate Hospicecare.

“Kevin devotes so much of his time and enthusiasm and does an enormous amount for Ashgate Hospicecare, especially in our gardens.

“We rely heavily on our team of volunteers in various ways and we simply couldn’t exist without volunteers like Kevin.”

Prior to his voluntary service at Ashgate Hospice, Kevin volunteered at Ash Green and at Robinsons in Chesterfield.

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Kevin was presented with his award at the Voluntary Sector Awards at the town’s Pomegranate Theatre.

Ashgate Hospice volunteers were nominated in two other categories of the awards.

Peig O’Neill was put forward for Volunteer Long Service while the hospice was among the four finalists for Volunteer Team of the Year.

Marianne Day, volunteer coordinator, said: “I am extremely proud that our wonderful volunteers were recognised for all their dedication and commitment to Ashgate Hospicecare – both for winning and being among the finalists.

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“We greatly value and rely upon our growing team of volunteers, who play such an important part in the ultimate difference made to those affected by life-limiting illness.”

More than 700 volunteers are involved in carrying out roles across Ashgate Hospicecare.

Some of the 50-plus roles in which they provide vital support include: fundraising, gardening, in-patient unit and day hospice, complementary therapy, retail (through the hospice’s 16 shops), a new mobile clinic, bereavement support through a patient and family support team, and administration.

Marianne said: “New volunteers are always needed to maintain and expand on our outstanding range of services. Please visit our website to explore the latest volunteer opportunities and become part of our friendly, caring team at Ashgate Hospicecare.”

You can access the website at www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

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The full list of Voluntary Sector Award winners is as follows:

Young Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by Unison): Khadiza Arif - Gussies Kitchen, Bluebell Wood.

Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by UKATA): Kevin Redfearn - Ashgate Hospice.

Volunteer Team of the Year (sponsored by Brampton Brewery): Springwell Community Arts.

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Volunteer Long Service (sponsored by Miteccad): Dr Louise Jordan - Helen’s Trust.

Staff Long Service Award (sponsored by Public Health): Deanne Calladine - DAAS

Most Innovative Project (sponsored by Inspec Solutions): Independent Living Group - Fairplay.

Orgnisation of the Year, under 25k (sponsored by Ocantis Ltd): Accessible Derbyshire.

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Organisation of the Year, over 25k (sponsored by NEDDC): Loundsley Green Community Trust.

Organisation of the Year, over 100k (sponsored by Chesterfield College): Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Credit Union.

Outstanding contribution (sponsored by The Volunteer Centre): Chris Jones - Dronfield Swimming Club.

The awards are organised by The Volunteer Centre, Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire.