Volunteer Mary is our Shining Light (From Ledbury Reporter)

Volunteer Mary is our Shining Light

12:20pm Wednesday 29th February 2012 in News By Robert Hale

A MALVERN woman who volunteers at a local hospice has had her efforts recognised with an award.

Mary Jenkins has worked as a volunteer for St Richard’s Hospice, Worcester, since 1999.

Now she has been awarded the Shining Light Award by Malvern link-based business Beacon DentalCare.

Staff at the Pickersleigh Roadbased business decided to launch the award after a year of charity fund-raising activities.

Practice manager Chris Smith said: “Our activities to raise money opened our eyes to how many inspirational people there are in our community.

“That’s why we launched the awards.

“We were amazed at how much dedication and community spirit there is in Malvern.”

Practice customers and members of the public nominated people for the award and local businesses donated prizes for the winners.

Mrs Jenkins supports the fundraising team at the Worcesterbased hospice, helps on its reception desk and last year trained as a volunteer for the inhouse CAB team. Also shortlisted were Liz Powell, who has run Malvern Guides for more than 30 years, Diana Maiden, who was made an MBE for her work with disabled children, and Lorraine Tompkins, coach for many years of Malvern Gymnastics Club.

Mrs Jenkins and the three runners-up were invited to a presentation at Beacon Dental- Care where they were given their prizes and certificates.

Libby Hurst, of the hospice, said: “Mary does so much for us, so we’re very pleased she won, both for her and for the hospice.”