CLAIRE Gibbons had a solid reason for her absence from the annual general meeting of South West Healthcare (SWH) volunteers.
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At the meeting, Ms Gibbons was honoured for 25 years as a SWH volunteer.
Also acknowledged for a quarter of a century of work were June Ford-Crothers, Barbara Hill and Joy Talbot.
Ms Gibbons was unable to attend the meeting in the Frank Lodge Room, as she was undergoing dialysis in another part of the hospital.
SWH CEO Craig Fraser, volunteer coordinator Julie Evans and acting director of nursing Peter Logan made their way to the dialysis unit after the meeting to present Ms Gibbons with her certificate of appreciation.
Ms Gibbons, who has been on dialysis for over two years, was thrilled with the visit.
“It’s very nice to get this recognition, I really enjoy volunteering,” she said.
“Most of my time as a volunteer has been one-on-one stuff with palliative care patients, either when they are in as patients or at their own homes.
“Helping people is something I have always enjoyed.
“I have made some lovely friendships through my volunteering work.”
While Ms Gibbons is restricted in the time she can now put in, Ms Evans said she is “still on our books”.
Other SWH volunteer awards included Julie Hoare, Diane Papworth (20 years), Sue Hoggan, Karen Jackson, Phyllis McLeish, Lois Maraldo, Ann Nicholson, Leslie Togni (10 years), Maree Dignan, Robyn Harry, Colin King, Marg Lawlor, Christine McConnell, Lesley Sheen, Jack Showler, Robyn Rosolin (five years).
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