... as the number of Mail heroes passes ... 20,000
THE number of readers who have signed up to the Daily Mail’s hospital volunteer drive has hit 20,000 in just over a week.
They have kindly pledged their time to help overstretched NHS staff with tasks ranging from picking up prescriptions to befriending or feeding patients.
The biggest British recruitment since the 2012 Olympics will give the Health Service 1.1 million hours of support from ordinary people.
The NHS already had 78,000 ‘unsung heroes’ working as volunteers nationwide. Now that is approaching 100,000.
Backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Christmas appeal has seen people sign up for a minimum of six months. So far, almost 12,000 volunteers are pledging three hours a week and another 8,57 will help out one day a month. That all adds up to a grand total of 1,168,200 hours.
Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett, chairman of Helpforce, the charity partnering the Mail in our campaign, said: ‘This proves the goodwill of the British people is alive and well. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.’
Pensioner Melvin Louch already helps out once a week at his local hospital, the Queen Alexandra in Portsmouth. Last year staff helped save his life three times when he suffered two heart attacks, a stroke and kidney failure.
‘I was so well looked after. They were all superb and saved my life,’ said the retired engineer, 75.
‘I wanted to show my gratitude by giving something back.’ He said of our campaign: ‘It’s great – the NHS really needed it right now so I have to say well done to the Daily Mail. It’s important we pull together and help.
‘Any person who goes into hospital can worry so to see friendly faces from volunteers really helps.
‘I’m really enjoying volunteering. Anyone can do it. There are so many different things they can do to help.
‘Not only do I enjoy the exercise but I like to know I’m making a difference.
‘I take flowers donated by Sainsbury’s to the hospital and deliver them to the reception on all seven levels which I thoroughly enjoy.’