Medal of honour for trolley-shop volunteer

A VOLUNTEER who spends her spare time bringing home comforts and essentials to patients at a hospital is celebrating after receiving an accolade to recognise her service.

Les MacNeil, project manager for the Royal Voluntary Service’s (RVS) trolley shop at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, received a British Empire Medal in the 2017 New Year’s Honours.

Les received her honour on April 25 at the Mansion House in Cardiff.

The mum of two and grandmother of four, who lives in Rhiwbina, visits patients on the wards and sells magazines, snacks, drinks and in-hospital “essentials” – bringing the shop to patients who can’t get around.

Les said she felt “very privileged” to have been given the British Empire Medal.

“Volunteering is very worth while,” she said. “You get a lot out of it, I’m so lucky to work with a great bunch of people who do the trolley service with me, I couldn’t provide this service without them.

“Some of the patients don’t have any relatives and they can’t always get to the shops so I bring the shop to them.

“When the trolley service doesn’t come around, patients wonder where we are.

“It’s lovely to see the patients waiting for you. It’s nice to help.”

Michelle Fowler, volunteer service manager for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “I’d like to congratulate Les on her award, she works tirelessly.

“I’d like to thank her for all she does.”