More than 70 volunteers at The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAHT) were treated to a special Christmas lunch in honour of their hard work and support.

Teams of helpers across the Harlow-based hospital tucked into the festive meal at hospital’s restaurant, on Monday, December 9.

PAHT has nearly 180 volunteers in roles ranging from meeting and greeting patients and visitors to offering support in the catheterisation laboratory (an examination room which analyses abnormalities in the heart).

Phillipa Haslehurst, voluntary services manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome our volunteers to a special Christmas lunch to say thank you for all of their hard work throughout the year.

“It was a lovely event, with a festive, jovial atmosphere.

“Our volunteers offer invaluable support and we will be looking for more of our community to join the team in the future – with a wide range of opportunities to suit.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

Nearly 180 people currently volunteer at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust in Harlow

Volunteer Melanie Hollinshead, from Theydon Bois, who attended the Christmas event said: “It is a huge privilege to volunteer at the hospital, and it’s a way of giving something back.

“Last year I was quite poorly and spent some time in the hospital. When I had an opportunity to give something back, I jumped at it.”

Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “The generosity of our volunteers in giving their time makes an enormous difference to the experience of our patients, visitors and our people every day.

“It was wonderful to join our volunteers for this special festive occasion in recognition of their dedication all year round.”

For more information about volunteering at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, please contact paht.volunteers@nhs.net.