AN 88-year-old hospital volunteer has pledged to ‘carry on as long as I’m needed’ after being recognised for 20 years’ work with the chaplaincy service.

Gordon Bury, from Brownhill in Wilpshire, was given a ‘lifetime commitment award’ by the Community & Voluntary Service after working as a lay assistant at the Royal Blackburn Hospital since 1993.

He started volunteering with his wife at the old Blackburn Royal Infirmary, and carried on the role after her death 15 years ago.

He has consistently given up two mornings per month to help transport patients to the hospital chapel for Sunday services, as well as taking holy communion to patients on the wards.

Staff at the Haslingden Road site said he was ‘well known and cherished’ by patients, as he helps them remember life outside the hospital, and to think positively.

Hospital chaplain, the Rev Andrew Horsfall, who nominated him for the award, said: “Gordon’s dedication and commitment to volunteering has been inspirational, he is utterly reliable and selfless in his devotion to volunteering.

“Even when his own health has not been at its best in recent months he has continued to do his work with a smile, a wonderful sense of humour and infectious laugh.

“People would often comment that they would hear Gordon’s laughter down the corridor before he came into view and they would know that he was on his way.

“The chaplaincy team is proud to have Gordon as part of our group and delighted that he has won this award that is richly deserved.”

Gordon said: “I really enjoy meeting people and if I am able to help just one person, then that makes my work worthwhile.

“I work with all the chaplains and lay assistants of all denominations as a united team to ensure that people in hospital have someone to talk to, as coming into hospital can often be a scary time “I’m really pleased to win this award and will carry on for as long as I am needed.”