THE ‘ambassadors’ of a Dorset charity are being celebrated this week in recognition of the vital role they play.

Every week of the year, hundreds of volunteers assist with patient care across the vast services provided by the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

This week, in recognition of National Volunteer Week, the charity is publicly thanking its volunteers for their dedication, which enables the trust to maintain its high standards of care.

This praise includes the selfless individuals’ work in the trust’s 14 charity shops, two outlets, warehouse and eBay shop and help with fundraising events, all of which boosts the services for patients and their families in the hospice, the day hospices and in their homes.

Patient care volunteers who befriend patients, also carry out errands for community patients, drive patients to day care, cover reception in the hospice and Hammick House, take the tea – and Happy Hour – trolley round to inpatients.

Those who help in the trust’s day hospices, assist the delivery of complementary health therapies and help bereavement workers.

Volunteer receptionists John White said he would recommend volunteering to others.

He added: “Particularly if a challenge is part of the make-up of the volunteer. I was far from sure I could do it.”

Weldmar’s director of retail, Valerie Burnham said: “All volunteers bring such a major contribution to the trust and are always appreciated and needed in all areas – not just for their time but for the wealth of skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm they bring.

“They are true ambassadors and we could not do without them.

“If there are any people who could help particularly by giving time to assist our eBay manager, Sarah, to develop our site she would love to hear from you on 01305 789555.

“This is a new venture to raise much needed funds to help provide palliative care for patients and their families in Dorset.”

Weldmar’s fundraising volunteers undertake myriad tasks ranging from standing in the streets with collecting boxes, to organising events to stuffing the trust’s newsletters into envelopes.

More than a thousand of these are hand delivered in the Dorchester area by volunteers.

Caroline Nickinson, director of fundraising, said: “It is only due to their dedication and ongoing loyal support that fundraising is able to function.”

The trust offers numerous volunteering opportunities and will help anyone interested in volunteering to choose a role that suits them. Weldmar are currently recruiting more volunteer receptionists and full training is given. If interested contact Caroline Munslow on 01305 756930.

Would-be volunteers can also call into one of Weldmar’s charity shops or visit weld-hospice.org.uk