Volunteering at Meadow House hospice was Tricia Cain's way of saying thank you following the death of her mum.
Despite being "a bit nervous" Tricia, 64, of Waldemar Avenue, West Ealing, joined the hospice, based in the grounds of Ealing Hospital, in 2000 and has volunteered there ever since.
She works in the day hospice one day a week making refreshments for the patients and their visitors, talking to patients and taking part in activities like the recent pampering evening.
Tricia was nominated for an Ealing Pride in Our People Award by voluntary services manager Lynne May, who said: "Tricia is a very hard working and willing member of the volunteer team. She is a very kind and compassionate person and Meadow House is very lucky to have her. She spends time talking with the patients and her friendly, easy-going personality coupled with a great sense of humour makes her a real hit with the patients."
Tricia, who has three children and four grand-children, said: "My mum came here and they were so good to her. Mum had me running around all the patients. She knew I was thinking about volunteering and that I was a bit nervous about it, but just before she died, she said I could handle it.
"People still say to me [about volunteering at a hospice] 'what a depressing thing to do,' but it's not depressing at all. You meet people at their best; they are so positive. You feel you make a difference. It makes you realise this is going to happen to all of us. It brings you back to reality. Everything you have on this earth is lent to you."
Do you know a local young person, adult or business, who goes the extra mile to help others or the community? Use the form below to nominate them.
