A Truly Outstanding Volunteer

As we celebrate Volunteers Week from 1-7 June, we recognise all the thousands of Volunteers who help across our 47 Centres.

These volunteers play a vital role in running these Centres, as each one is an individual self-funding charity. None of these charities receives any statutory funding. The volunteers are literally the lifeblood of each Centre.

These volunteer roles can range from being a Trustee, a fully trained Oxygen Operator, a physio helper, a driver, a receptionist, plus countless other much-valued roles.

We wanted to celebrate one particular volunteer who is based at the Wessex MS Therapy Centre, in Warminster, Wiltshire (www.wessexms.co.uk)

Mike Park h

as been working as a volunteer for the Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre for just under 15 years as their Senior Technical Advisor, and his consistent contribution to the successful running of the charity has been outstanding. This is a difficult and demanding role, and his dedication and hard work in supporting both the technical demands of the role and the care and concern for the members are invaluable.

Rosie Eliot, CEO at the Centre, enthuses about Mike’s support

“At present, we have approximately 130 people a week receiving oxygen therapy, and Mike oversees the entire operation on a totally voluntary level. He works two full days a week and will come in for meetings and is always available for emergencies, which can happen from time to time! Mike will be 91 this year and he never ceases to amaze us!

Our members at the charity are always singing Mike’s praises, and he cannot do enough to make people comfortable in the chambers. Mike is supreme at putting people at ease and is always so kind and caring. It is a pleasure to work with Mike, and we are endlessly grateful to him for his continued support of our charity.”

Mike and Sarah Williamson (Deputy Director) on their journey to the palace!

This photo is of Mike on his way to Buckingham Palace, just a week ago to enjoy an afternoon tea party with the King and Queen for his hard work and long service in the charity sector.

Mike represents the commitment and dedication of thousands of volunteers across our Network. We are grateful to each one of them as they are the beating hearts of all our Centres.

The Centre also designed its own poster which clearly shows the importance of the volunteers' roles.

V

isit Find a Centre on our website to find a Centre near you.