A DEDICATED volunteer who has served a Renfrewshire hospice for more than 30 years has been honoured with a British Empire Medal.
Jennie Durward, from Bridge of Weir, began volunteering for Accord Hospice, in Paisley, in 1987 after a friend encouraged her to get involved – and she hasn’t looked back since.
From helping out in the kitchen and day care to being a patient driver, Jennie has taken on various roles throughout her time with the hospice and has been serving as volunteer co-ordinator since 1995.
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The 68-year-old, who has two children and four grandchildren, told The Gazette: “I don’t really think of this award as being for myself, even though I am overwhelmed to receive it. I think of it as an award for all the volunteers.
“Many of them have been volunteering for more than 20 years and it is so important.
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“I do think I’m quite good at being organised, so I do enjoy the role of volunteer co-ordinator, as there’s quite a lot of admin involved.
“It is an honour and I am humbled to receive this award.”
Jennie said she is always keen to see more people become involved in volunteering for the hospice.
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If anyone is interested in following in her footsteps, call 0141 581 2000 or email volunteering@accord.org.uk.
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