VOLUNTEERS from Bromsgrove and Redditch, who offer support to people living with cancer, were celebrated in a special event.

Primrose Hospice, on St Godwald's Rd, handed out awards to those volunteers who have given five, 10, 15, 20 and even 25 years’ of service on Sunday, December 10.

Their volunteers range between 13-80 years old and this is the hospice's first ever Volunteers’ Celebration with invites sent to the hospice’s 362-strong team who help in every aspect of the hospice – from transport and gardening to counselling and children’s support.

David Burrell, CEO of Primrose Hospice told those honoured: “We are humbled by your generosity of spirit and your compassion for your fellow human beings.

“It is all of you who so generously give your time, your warmth, your humour and your caring.

“It is all of you, doing what you do, that amazes us. Thank you for volunteering for Primrose Hospice.”

Pin badges in bronze, silver and gold along with certificates were handed to those who reached the milestones.

Jo Wright, Primrose Hospice’s volunteers manager, paid tribute to the hospice’s growing personnel.

She said: “A huge thank you to each and every volunteer.

“It is because of their continued support and care that we can offer the fantastic support to all of the hospice’s patients and their families.

“They are all unsung heroes and we are eternally grateful to them.”

Volunteers Margaret Must, Margaret Langley and Carole Thomas were all handed special gold pin badges and bouquets of flowers for giving an incredible 25 years’ service to Primrose Hospice.

Margaret Must, from Fairfield, volunteered as a driver bringing patients to and from the hospice.

Mrs Must said: “It gives you a bit of satisfaction.

“You’re not really doing it for all this [awards] but it is nice. You do it because you can.

"There’s lots of things you can do in this hospice to help.”

Carole Thomas, from Barnt Green, started volunteering at Primrose as a driver after the death of her mum.

“I love it, I love being with the people and it was nice driving as well because you could talk to the patients and have nice chats.” she added.