Hospice star Audrey, 81, marks 30 years of volunteering

Audrey Evans, who is 81, began helping the charity in 1987 – the year Severn Hospice was getting ready to open its first hospice in Bicton Heath.

The charity is marking national Volunteers’ Week by paying tribute to all its 1,400-plus volunteers who daily make a difference by supporting its work for families in Shropshire and Mid Wales living with an incurable illness.

Audrey, who has worked at Severn Hospice’s shop at Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury since it opened, said: “I first started volunteering back when they were getting everything ready to open the hospice in Shrewsbury. I liked the idea of helping people in my local community and have been involved ever since.

“Over the years I’ve done all sorts from providing cover for shop managers who are on holiday to getting everything sorted when we’ve opened new shops. It’s always been very varied but I know that my time is helping to raise money to help local people.

The grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of soon to be six, added: “I’ve known several people who have needed the hospice over the years so I know just how important it is and how we should do what we can so the hospice can continue to be there in the future.”

Phil Brannon, who manages Severn Hospice’s volunteers, said: “We are so lucky to be so well supported by the community both in terms of volunteering time and in donations.

“Our volunteers really do make a difference every day not just in Volunteers’ Week, and I thank them on behalf of the families we support.”

Wyle Cop shop manager Becky Wooliscroft added: “Audrey is an absolute star with our customers; always happy and smiling and such a fantastic help in the shop. I don’t know where we’d be without her.”