BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Susan has helped homeless for years

A VOLUNTEER who dedicates her time to helping homeless people in Cardiff is this week’s Echo Bouquet of the Week winner.

Susan Sutherland, 69, spends her time lending a hand with homeless charity, Huggard.

The charity has been helping people in Cardiff for more than 20 years, and the team nominated Susan for all the support she gives them.

A spokesman for the charity explained Susan volunteers at the Huggard day centre in an admin and support role.

She has done this for many years and is a great part of the team.

The volunteer, who lives in Penarth, has helped hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people during her time at the day centre and the charity really appreciates all her hard work.

Susan said: “I’ve been there for about three years.

“I’m just a dogsbody really, but they don’t like me saying that.

“I mainly work in the office helping with admin but I also help giving out clothes, sorting post and things like that.”

Susan, who is originally from Bridgend, used to live in London.

During this time she worked as a Samaritan for more than 20 years, but when she returned to Wales she wanted to do something to keep her busy.

Susan said: “I originally emailed them asking if I could help out with the Christmas lunch, but my email got lost.

“I was later asked if I wanted to get involved with the charity and I thought I’d give it a go. The work they do there is incredible.”

Susan explained staff carry out very varied work from helping people at the day centre to offering people support with drug addiction.

She said the staff are “wonderful” and are very good at keeping their cool when challenges arise.

But even though she’s considered a big part of the team, she was shocked to discover she had received this week’s bouquet.

“I was a bit embarrassed to be honest,” Susan added.

“I was really surprised. I just think I’m there really, but everyone is really lovely to me.”