BLOG: Royal recognition for volunteer Adrian
Royal recognition for volunteer Adrian
You couldn’t meet a more modest man, but our long-serving volunteer Adrian Frost so deserves the royal recognition he’s received for his outstanding contribution to our community!
From many thousands of nominees across the UK, Adrian is one of 490 volunteers selected as Platinum Champions by the Royal Voluntary Service, whose President, the Duchess of Cornwall, signed the certificate he’s received along with his specially designed pin badge. The prestigious awards launched to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are shining a light on Adrian and others like him who go above and beyond to make life better for others by giving their time and skills to help them for free.
Over his 24 years with us, Adrian’s volunteered as a driver and as part of our events team as well as doing lots of fundraising, but his greatest gift is the time he dedicates to supporting our terminally ill patients and their family members, too.
Adrian, who lives in St Budeaux, said: “Initially, I assumed befriending and bereavement support would be way beyond my comfort zone, but instead it became my calling. It’s a privilege that people let you into their lives when they’re going through such a difficult time, and by listening with compassion you’re reminding them they don’t have to face it alone.
“At St Luke’s we’re a close-knit team of staff and volunteers all supporting each another to do our very best to help people live out their last weeks and days as peacefully, comfortably and joyfully as possible. That the hospice does all it can to be there for patients’ families, too, means it is even more deserving of every bit of support our community can give.
“It was witnessing the kindness of St Julia’s Hospice in Cornwall when they looked after my brother Roger that inspired me to start volunteering with St Luke’s, and when my niece said it was the one good thing that came out of the heartbreak of losing her dad, it meant more to me than I can say.
“To be recognised as a Platinum Champion for volunteering is a terrific honour, and one I did not expect. I think of it as being not just for me, though, but for all of us who proudly serve our community as part of such a dedicated and respected team.”
Steve Statham, Chief Executive of St Luke’s, said: “Adrian is a modest man, who does not give to our charity expecting recognition, yet is so deserving of the title Platinum Champion. A huge thank-you to him for 24 years of loyal service, during which time his kindness has touched countless lives.
“All our valued volunteers are the reason our charity’s limited resources can stretch further to reach more families who need us, and we never take their generosity for granted.”
Could you spare a few hours to volunteer as part of our friendly team? We have lots of different roles and would be delighted to help match you to the one that’s right for you. Learn more about volunteering at St Luke’s.