Ashford Hospital volunteer Daphne Witham is a “treasure” as far as her colleagues are concerned.

Said medical secretary Maggie Smythe: “Daphne will do anything, she’s a real treasure.  She’s very reliable, very conscientious and she gets on well with everyone and does whatever she can to help us.”

Daphne, of Bedfont, used to work in the NHS in supplies at Hounslow Hospital and then for 18 years as a receptionist in obstetrics ultrasound at West Middlesex Hospital.  She was glad to have the opportunity to make a useful contribution to hospital life and for nearly three years she has been filing and doing other clerical work in the Breast Unit twice a week..

Said Daphne: “Initially I was on the West Wing “Help Desk” but I saw that Maggie was always very busy trotting back and forth and I was very pleased when I was asked if I could help her.  I think volunteering is great.  I don’t understand whey more people don’t do it.  Even if you can only for two or three hours a week there is something suitable for everyone.”

Said the Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals volunteer’s manager Karen Marsden: “We have more than 500 volunteers working in our hospitals, and we cannot thank them enough for all that they do.  Our volunteers have a huge variety of skills and talents that are put to good use every single day of the year – and some evenings too!  Some work behind the scenes in offices and others enjoy the patient contact with ward work or reception duties – the scope for them is enormous.  There are very few aspects of hospital life that do not benefit from the support of a volunteer.  The WRVS, the Red Cross, Hospital Radio Wey and the two Leagues of Friends at Ashford and St. Peter’s are the backbone of our volunteering service and at this special time of year we like to thank them all publicly for their unstinting support.”

To find out more about volunteering at the Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust readers can call Karen Marsden on either: 01784 884227 or: 01932 723239.