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Community Hospice celebrates volunteers

Community Hospice celebrated the incredible volunteers who give their time, skills and compassion to support patients, families and colleagues across Greenwich and Bexley at its annual Volunteer Awards on Wednesday 3 June 2026.

Held during Volunteers' Week, the awards brought together volunteers, staff, trustees and supporters to recognise the people whose kindness, dedication and commitment help make so much of the hospice's work possible. The evening was also attended by the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Lisa-Jane Moore, who presented the awards and helped celebrate the remarkable contribution volunteers make to the hospice.

From supporting patients and visitors, to helping in our shops, gardens, fundraising events and community programmes, volunteers are at the heart of Community Hospice.

CommunityHospiceVolunteerAwards_BrennaDuncan_BRD06114

Each award recognised volunteers who embody the hospice's values and go above and beyond in supporting the hospice and the people we care for.

Aneta Saunders, Interim Chief Executive at Community Hospice, said:

"Our volunteers bring so much more than their time. They bring kindness, compassion, energy and a genuine desire to make a difference. Whether they are supporting patients and families directly, helping in our shops, raising funds or supporting our teams behind the scenes, their contribution is invaluable. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do."

Celebrating years of dedication

The evening also recognised volunteers who have reached significant service milestones.

More than 20 volunteers were recognised for five years of service, alongside volunteers who have dedicated 10, 15, 20 and even 25 years to supporting Community Hospice.

Among those recognised was Brian Topliffe, who celebrated an incredible 25 years of volunteering.

Together, these milestones represent thousands of hours given in support of local people and families.

Recognising outstanding volunteers

The 2026 award winners were:

Inclusive Volunteer of the Year

Nita Sulh, Community Engagement Volunteer

Proactive Volunteer of the Year

Gursel Huseyin, Shop Volunteer

Volunteer Team of the Year

Rehab and Wellbeing Volunteers

Retail Volunteer of the Year

Jamie Hampson

Trustee/Non-Executive Director of the Year

Rebecca Middleton

Compassionate Neighbour of the Year

Katherine Joekes

Hospice Star

Lucy Reid, Benefits Assistant Volunteer

Uplifting Volunteer of the Year

Kate Shoesmith

A community built on compassion

Community Hospice volunteers support almost every area of hospice care. They welcome visitors, provide companionship, help raise vital funds, support community programmes, assist in our shops and contribute their skills in countless other ways.

Joss Duncan, Head of Community Development and Volunteering at Community Hospice, said:

"One of the most special things about our volunteer community is the variety of skills, experiences and perspectives people bring. Every volunteer makes a difference in their own way, and together they help create the warm, supportive environment that means so much to the people we care for and those closest to them."

Thank you

While the awards recognised individual achievements, they were also an opportunity to celebrate every volunteer who gives their time to Community Hospice.

Whether they're offering a warm welcome, supporting a patient, helping in a shop, raising funds, maintaining our gardens or supporting one of our many services, volunteers help us reach more people and provide the care and support our community relies on.

To every volunteer at Community Hospice – thank you. Your kindness, generosity and commitment help make our hospice the special place it is.