Exceptional voluntary service
Rosemary Minshall, a long-serving volunteer at Rowcroft Hospice, has been honoured with a League of Mercy Award for her exceptional commitment and service to the hospice and wider community. This prestigious recognition is awarded to up to 50 individuals annually who have demonstrated exceptional voluntary service.
Rosemary received her award at a special ceremony held at The Mansion House in London on Friday 11 July, where she was formally recognised alongside other outstanding volunteers from across the UK. The League of Mercy Award celebrates individuals who have given extraordinary service to others through volunteering in health and social care.
For 30 years, Rosemary has dedicated herself to supporting Rowcroft’s work in numerous ways – most notably through her role as a Bereavement Support Volunteer and as a long-standing, dedicated member of the Dartmouth Friends of Rowcroft fundraising group.
As a Bereavement Support Volunteer, Rosemary has helped hundreds of patients and family members through some of the most difficult moments of their lives – offering a listening ear, a safe space, and the gift of her time and care. She has also shared her skills more widely in the community, organising local bereavement lunches to help combat loneliness, and supporting older people as an Anna Chaplain through her local church.
From coffee mornings to concerts
In addition to her bereavement work, Rosemary has played an active role in the Dartmouth Friends of Rowcroft group, raising vital funds and awareness for the hospice. The group have raised over £190,000 over the years, through community events such as coffee mornings, fetes and classical concerts — helping to ensure continued community support for Rowcroft’s services.
Reflecting on her experiences as a volunteer and receiving this award, Rosemary said:
“I was surprised but honoured to be nominated for this award. It isn’t needed, but it does feel like a ‘thank you’ and it’s very much appreciated. Having worked with Rowcroft for 30 years and volunteered elsewhere too, volunteering has been a big part of my life. What I’ve given has been given back to me, through the pleasures and laughter I’ve shared with colleagues, clients and friends. I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Rowcroft cares for patients, relatives and friends, and I’ve met so many different people, hearing about their lives and, I hope, helping them come to terms with their bereavement.”
Three decades of support
Anastasia Somerville-Wong, Rowcroft’s Bereavement and Support Service Co-Ordinator, said:
“I am delighted that Rosemary has received a League of Mercy award. She has always been a wise and wonderful member of our bereavement and listening support team, and she has supported so many people over the last three decades that we have lost count! Her clients consistently express their heartfelt gratitude for her kindness and understanding, which has helped so many through the most difficult time of their lives. The award could not be more richly deserved.”
To find out more about volunteering for Rowcroft Hospice, please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/volunteering
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