VIP help is appreciated (From Penarth Times)

VIP help is appreciated

ALUN Michael MP and Lorraine Barrett AM gave a boost to Marie Curie's Volunteers' Week by turning up for an afternoon shift to push the sweets trolley around the wards.

Mr Michael and Mrs Barrett met dedicated volunteers who work at the hospice and help out at Marie's coffee shop serving tea to patients.

Volunteers' Week (June 1-7) aims to celebrate the tremendous work volunteers do for charities like Marie Curie Cancer Care throughout the year, and hopes to encourage more people to donate some of their time to help others.

Sarah Timmis, Volunteer Services Manager, said: "Volunteering is such a great way to put something back into your community. It's so flexible and you can make it work around your schedule, however busy you are."

Volunteers at the Marie Curie Hospice, Penarth, currently carry out a wide range of tasks including driving, gardening and maintenance work.

The centre also uses ward volunteers who spend time talking to patients and specialist therapists such as hypnotists and music therapists.

Marie Curie Hospice, Penarth, is always looking for new volunteers.

For details contact Sarah Timmis on 029 20426047.

The year 2005 has been declared Year of the Volunteer, a year long celebration of volunteers' work.