Oldest Carmarthenshire volunteer among those receiving long service awards

Volunteers who have helped patients in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for their long service.
Evelyn Fowler and Margaret Ray both volunteer through the university health board’s Volunteering for Health project at Ty Cymorth in Carmarthen.
At 92, Evelyn is Volunteering for Health’s oldest volunteer and has been volunteering at Ty Cymorth since her husband died 12 years ago.

Evelyn’s husband was looked after by the service and volunteering was a way of giving something back and supporting other patients with a terminal condition.
Margaret has been volunteering with Ty Cymorth since the service opened in 1995.

She provides an opportunity for patients to sit and talk and provided them with refreshments
Recently retired volunteer Joan Lewis was also recognised for the hours she has given.

Joan has been volunteering in Ty Bryngwyn since it opened in 1995 providing an opportunity for patients to sit and talk and provided them with refreshments.
Also praised for his long service was volunteer driver Lionel Coulsdon has been volunteering for about 12 years. He collects patients from the community and brings them to Ty Cymorth and Ty Bryngwyn for treatment, therapies and activities.
Head of Volunteering Services David Fretwell said: “These volunteers were giving their time to help patients long before Volunteering for Health.
“They are at the heart of what we do and were the inspiration behind the project. Volunteering with terminal ill patients is very emotional but the care and attention given by our volunteers, as well as the staff, can help make a real difference to some of our most vulnerable patients.”
For more information on Volunteering for Health go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/volunteering