THE patron of a Derbyshire hospice – who has dedicated almost 20 years of his life to the centre – said his motivation to help comes from the courage of its patients.

John Griffiths began as a worker at the Treetops Hospice to train volunteers but, after retiring, he decided to come back as a volunteer himself.

And, from driving patients to and from the hospice, in Risley, to making decisions on its committees, the 73-year-old has become an integral part of it.

He said he would find it difficult not to be involved and has too many highlights from his time there to mention.

Now he has been nominated for a Community Champions award by a colleague.

He said: "This wonderful organisation gets into your blood after a while and you can't imagine a time where you wouldn't want to be part of it.

"I get so much out of the patients themselves, listening to how much the hospice means to them and how it helps them cope through difficult times.

"It really is a superb organisation and the professionalism and togetherness of the volunteers does it credit."

After devising a volunteer training programme for the hospice, John moved on to the board of trustees.

He remained in this role, which dealt with fund-raising, for 13 years, before becoming chairman of the hospice's executive committee and later, its vice-chairman.

During this time, he continued his role as a volunteer driver, helping patients and their carers reach the hospice.

Mr Griffiths, of The Croft, Draycott, is now one of two patrons and also a member of the hospice Ripple Appeal committee, which is working towards raising £1m for an extension.

Kate Shaw, the manager of the Ripple Appeal, nominated Mr Griffiths for the Community Champions awards.

She said: "I came into my role in August 2007 and John really took me under his wing.

"He is a huge part of the Treetops Hospice and very much a part of its soul, because he has held so many different roles and been pivotal in its growth and success."

The Derby Telegraph has teamed up with BBC Radio Derby, Derbyshire Building Society, Derby City Council and Derby County Football Club to launch the Community Champions awards.

Our 14 award winners will be invited to a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium on Sunday, May 17, where local celebrities will award their prizes.

Nomination forms can be found on www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/champions or www.bbc.co.uk/derby. They are also in some copies of the Derby Telegraph, or can be collected from BBC Radio Derby, in St Helen's Street, Derby, and from Derbyshire Building Society branches.

They should be sent to Caroline Jones, Community Champions, Derby Evening Telegraph, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby, DE1 2BH by Friday, April 2