VOLUNTEERS who have clocked up more than 100 years’ service between them have been honoured for their work at a hospice.

The 38 volunteers attended a ceremony at St Benedict’s Hospice, in Ryhope, Sunderland, where they were awarded certificates for their service, which ranged from one to 20 years.

Among them were Val Hamilton and Val Hughes, both of whom have been volunteering at the hospice for 20 years.

Val Hamilton, of Sunderland, who serves lunches to patients and families on the in-patient unit, began volunteering at the hospice’s former site, Monkwearmouth Hospital, in Newcastle Road, with a friend who had recently retired.

She said: “At the time I’d recently lost my dad to cancer and I felt I could empathise with families who were going through a similar experience to me.

“It’s a wonderful organisation and I’ve enjoyed working here so much”.

Val Hughes, also of Sunderland, began volunteering after spotting an article on the hospice in her church magazine.

Now, she volunteers every Tuesday by serving teas on the in-patient unit and helps with fundraising where she can.

She said: “I love volunteering here and I’ve made lots of friends over the years among staff, other volunteers and, in some cases, with relatives of patients.

“Of course, there have been some sad moments too but the hospice is such a happy place to be.

“We both hope to continue volunteering for as long as possible.”