A Marie Curie volunteer has been awarded for her 25 years of service, with a prestigious British Citizen Award – Volunteer (BCAv).
Molly Bird has been volunteering for Marie Curie every Monday since 1994. You’ll see her friendly face welcoming visitors at the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands in Solihull, where Molly has lived with her family since 1972.
More than 1,200 patients living with a terminal illness and their families from the local community access the hospice for specialist care and support – either staying at the hospice – or coming in for the day to use services such as bereavement counselling; pain management; complementary therapies; and even exercise groups.
Molly’s reliable and consistent dedication, adds a special touch in providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for families dealing with the terminal illness of a loved one.
Not only has Molly volunteered for Marie Curie for 25 years, but this year she also celebrated her 90th birthday. She travelled with her husband Norman to the Palace of Westminster on 4th July, and was presented her medal by Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder of Specsavers and Patron of the British Citizen Awards (BCA).
Molly is one of 35 medalists, each receiving a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. Medalists are also invited to use the initials BCA after their name.
Molly Bird, Marie Curie volunteer receptionist, said:
It feels brilliant to be nominated, it’s all been very exciting, and I feel humbled by the fact that I have received this award. I still can’t believe this is really happening, what a privilege and honour it is.
I used to work as a receptionist at a doctor’s surgery, so volunteering at Marie Curie just felt right. I’m used to greeting people who may be facing problems themselves or have a loved one who is. I highly recommend volunteering to anyone who can. It brings so much pleasure, you meet so many interesting people. It is important to put a little back in from what life has given you.
Hannah Nolan, Marie Curie volunteering development officer, said:
Molly is one of the most popular and long-serving volunteers at Marie Curie and during 25 years of service has provided a regular, supportive presence as part of the reception team at West Midlands Hospice in Solihull.
Molly provides a warm welcoming face to visitors of the hospice, assisting them with their enquiries and signposting them in the right direction. She is a great comfort to patients and families who are new to the hospice, providing a calm and reassuring presence during a very difficult time in their lives.
Without the fantastic support from volunteers in our hospices, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide all the services our patients and families need.
For more information on volunteering for Marie Curie please check here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering