THE daughter of James Herriot author Alf Wight is one of a number of volunteers to be recognised for devoting years of service to a charity.

Rosie Page is one of 18 people who have volunteered for Herriot Hospice Homecare for more than ten years.

Between them they have provided 227 years of service and at a recent celebratory lunch, they were presented with certificates to mark their service to the charity.

The volunteers do everything from driving people to and from hospital for appointments through to providing companionship and support in the homes of those with life limiting illnesses in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Speaking at the lunch, Herriot Hospice Homecare chief executive Karen Wilkinson-Bell said: “We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful people working as volunteers and they always have been, and always will be, at the heart of everything we do as a charity.

“Whilst these awards recognise long service of ten years or more, there many others who haven’t worked as long, but are just as deserving. They are all the quiet heroes and heroines of Herriot Hospice Homecare.”

Rosie Page, whose family gave permission for the charity to use the Herriot name and has worked for the charity for 13 years, said: “My dad died of cancer so it is a charity very close to my heart and even after all these years I never fail to be inspired by the people it was set up to help.

“Visiting the home of someone who is dying is a very humbling experience but you can really brighten up their day by spending just a few hours with them.”