BLACKPOOL'S Sitting Service is to receive a very special thank you this week from social service chiefs and council members.

Coinciding with National Volunteers' Week is the tenth anniversary of the vital volunteers who help people caring for elderly or disabled relatives to take essential time out for themselves.

And one big-hearted local woman who has been providing support to carers for a decade will also receive special recommendation.

Marjorie Pardi, a recruit since the scheme started, became involved in the Sitting Service following the death of her husband Frank and now enjoys weekly visits to local residents including Shirley Gallimore who regularly receives help from Marjorie with her elderly aunt.

Marjorie has now become a treasured member of the family and said of her role in the service: "It's not all give - you get a lot of friendship back and it's a good way of getting out, especially if you're a widow like me. You also get to meet other volunteers at training sessions and social evenings."

A birthday cake will be cut on Thursday (June 3) at the mayor's parlour and certificates will be handed out to loyal recruits for three, five and ten years' unstinting service by the deputy social services chairman John Boughton.

Social services chairman Sue Wright said the project was beneficial to carers, their dependants and the volunteers and added: "When carers are isolated the volunteer sitter is a vital social contact who has time to listen and offer friendship in addition to helping share some of the responsibilities.

"This can be an important and emotionally rewarding experience for volunteers who go on to make friends of their own at events organised by the social services."

If you would like further information on the Sitting Service contact Val Raynor on (01253) 477666.

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