Long-serving Hospiscare volunteer Liz Hodge is one of just 490 people nationwide to receive a royal award for the Platinum Jubilee, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to our community.
Liz was chosen from thousands of nominees to be recognised as a ‘Platinum Champion’ by the Royal Voluntary Service. The awards are inspired by the long service of Her Majesty the Queen and spearheaded by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall with the aim of shining a light on outstanding volunteers across the country who make a difference every day.
Liz was nominated for the award by Hospiscare Care Co-ordinator Kim Thomas, who explained Liz’ approach to the multiple volunteer care roles she fulfils at the hospice: “Liz looks at what is important to the patient and tries to act upon it, always doing her best to make their palliative journey as positive as possible. Liz genuinely cares and is passionate about Hospiscare, giving up hours of her time every week to support palliative patients and their families. Nothing is too much trouble and Liz’s steadfast commitment to our patients has made her an incredibly valued volunteer for two and a half decades and counting!”
Reflecting on her 26 years of volunteering, Liz said: “Volunteering keeps me going. I have such respect for Hospiscare. The amount of compassion I’ve seen from the staff is incredible. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the nurses and I’ve seen doctors sitting by patients’ beds holding their hands. These patients are going through so much and Hospiscare is a peaceful place for them. They can die with dignity and with their family around them and that means an awful lot.”
From everyone at Hospiscare, we say a resounding ‘thank you’ to Liz for her 26 years of volunteering service and a huge congratulations for so deservedly winning royal recognition for her outstanding contribution to the people of Exeter, Mid and East Devon.
