HOSPICE SERVICE HONOURED

Two volunteers who have devoted 20 years to helping a Derbyshire hospice have been recognised for their loyalty. Jan Wilkinson is a regular driver and day care helper at Treetops Hospice in Risley, which provides care and support for people suffering with illnesses such as cancer and MS. And Pat Thomson helped out in the charity's first shop and also served as a trustee. Both women have volunteered from the very early days of the hospice and say they are planning to continue their good work. When they first started volunteering, the charity's founder, Cally Cheetham, was in the process of buying the home in Derby Road, where Treetops is now based. Mrs Wilkinson, 58, of Wilsthorpe Road, Breas-ton, said: "I remember she was looking to get Treetops started and a friend asked if I would like to get involved. "I was there at the very first car boot sale and helped raise funds at the bring-and-buy sales we had back then." Mrs Thomson, of Maypole Avenue, Sandiacre, who became involved after seeing an advert for volunteers, also remembers the first boot sale. She said: "There were about 50 cars and I spent most of the morning making bacon butties. "Now, we have one three times a year and it's a major fund-raiser for us." Over the years the duo have taken on many voluntary roles. Mrs Thomson, 75, has helped run beauty days for the guests and Mrs Wilkinson, a former teacher who worked as St Laurence CE Primary School, in Long Eaton, has helped organise the international Voices for Hospices event, which is staged every two years and helps Treetops to raise its profile. She said: "Most of the work that I do now involves collecting guests from their homes and bringing them to Treetops. "Then I spend time sitting and talking with them. One man that comes in loves doing sudoku puzzles and knows that I do too. His eyes light up when he see's me, knowing that he has a partner to help him. "This is why I still do the job." Treetops chief executive Clare Janes paid tribute to the service the pair had given to the charity. She said: "It shows their commitment through great periods of change." The pair were awarded certificates and lapel badges for their long service by Mayor of Erewash Councillor Eileen Knight.