A DEDICATED volunteer who supports ex-servicemen and women and terminally ill Silhillians has been handed an award.
Frank Hughes was named an Every-Day (E-Day) Hero in recognition of his nine years volunteering at Royal Star and Garter care home in Solihull.
The E-Day Heroes award, which was handed out at the Birmingham International Tattoo event at Arena Birmingham, recognises people in the local area who make a difference on a daily basis.
He volunteers two or three days a week at the Monkspath Hall Road home which cares for veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.
He helps with activities and enjoys assisting with the many outings on offer, but his favourite part of the role is befriending and chatting to residents and finding out about their remarkable lives.
He said: “I was surprised and honoured to be named an Every-Day Hero. It’s also an honour volunteering at Royal Star and Garter. I get a great deal from spending time and helping the ladies and gents living there.”
Charlie Wilson, the activities and volunteer manager at the Solihull home, said: “Frank is everything we could possibly want in a volunteer.
“He has given so much over the years, and has formed such wonderful and very touching relationships with our residents.
“He is always willing to go the extra mile to help, and enhance the lives of those he meets. He truly is an everyday hero, and I am so glad his commitment has been recognised.”
Frank has also been making sure patients at Solihull’s Marie Curie hospice have been getting their meals and drinks on time since he starting volunteering there in 2011.
Michael Harris, head chef at Solihull’s Marie Curie Hospice, said: “Frank supports the hospice team by ensuring our patients living with terminal illnesses receive their meals and drinks on time as well as having a good chat on the way.
“He is an integral part of the catering department and a massive part of our team.”
Tattoo producer, Norman Rogerson MBE, said: “We are particularly pleased that Frank Hughes could join us at this year’s Tattoo. Frank has been a volunteer with Royal Star and Garter for nine years and also gives up his time to volunteer at Marie Curie.
“We thank Frank for his valuable contribution and hope he enjoyed the Tattoo.”
