Service of Red Cross volunteer celebrated

Like most heroes Lichfield’s Jo Spearpoint doesn’t think she is one.

But after 17 years volunteering for New Zealand Red Cross the hundreds of people she has helped in Tokoroa, Putaruru, and Otorohanga know she is.

On Friday her dedication was officially recognised with a Volunteering Waikato Volunteer of the Year Commendation Award.

Over the years she’s worn many hats with New Zealand Red Cross including being a community transport driver taking patients to and from hospital, service coordinator, president, as well as hiring out wheelchairs, walkers and crutches to patients.

Spearpoint said she was humbled to receive the award.

‘‘There were 19 of us in the award category and the judges had such a struggle deciding who to give it to so we had a first and second and two of us received special commendation awards,’’ she said.

‘‘It was lovely getting it but when they called me up I felt quite embarrassed and guilty about it because I don’t feel like I am doing something that important, I just love doing it.’’

‘‘I am not into coffee klatches and gossip sessions, I need to be busy and I can’t sit around, so this is what I do,’’ she said.

She said she’s kept going for so long because of the people she gets to meet.

‘‘There are some really needy people out there, some really peculiar people, and some absolutely brilliant people so you meet so many,’’ she laughed.

‘‘I had one lady a few years ago who I would take over every week for her chemo’ sessions and she had the craziest sense of humour and we got on like a house on fire. When she passed away it was like losing my mum all over again. She was just the loveliest little old lady.’’

Spearpoint said nominees also received hampers.

‘‘All the nominees were called up and given one and I would have been happy to have just gone home with that. It was filled with biscuits and sweets so the grandkids got most of it,’’ she laughed.

She said while she continues to love what she is doing she’s beginning to cut back.

‘‘I will be 79 in a couple of months and I have a few health problems. I also have a terminally ill son so I am cutting back on what I do to support him but until I can’t do things I will continue to be involved,’’ she said.