Volunteer of the year, 91, has 'no plans to stop'

With a friendly smile, helping hand and lifetime of experience, 91-year-old Ronald Nash makes a difference every week as a hospital volunteer.

The former engineer has dedicated 26 years to helping out at Peterborough City Hospital, and was named as volunteer of the year by the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust last week.

Ronald can be found every Thursday alongside his wife, Mary, helping visitors to navigate the site and bringing comfort to patients and families who may be feeling anxious or uncertain.

"I'm 91, but I like helping what I call the 'old ladies' and really love having a bit of banter, and I'll say something silly and it cheers them up," he said.

"You can see them smile and it sends them on their way with a bit more happiness."

Ronald began volunteering in the 1990s following the death of his first wife - and it led to him meeting Mary.

What started as a way to fill his time in retirement soon became something far more meaningful.

He is one of the oldest members of the hospital's 240-strong volunteer team.

"I was at a loose end," he said.

"I'd retired and somebody suggested I perhaps would like to do volunteering at the hospital, which I did.

"I started it for something to do.

But now, after all these years, I don't do it for something to do - I do it because I like doing it, and I do it to help people, not so much to help the hospital, but to help the patients."

Mary, 81, said her husband, who also served in the army, is a humble man.

"He is very modest and a lovely man, and I love him," she said.

"I met Ron on my first day as a volunteer here... we just clicked and we've been together really ever since.

"We both love it. To me, our Thursdays are extra special and we have such a special team."

The couple say they have no intention of stepping away from their volunteer roles any time soon.

"As long as all of my legs will get me here, I'll be here," said Ronald.

"It's as simple as that. I do enjoy it so much."

Hospital worker Sarah Clarkson, who liaised closely with Ronald in her former role as volunteer co-ordinator, said: "His compassion and kindness are evident in every interaction, always placing patients at the centre of everything he does.

"He helps ensure a safe and welcoming environment at the front entrance of the hospital. Ron is a true ambassador for volunteering."

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