THE army of volunteers at a Wirral health trust has received a heartfelt 'Thank you' for their amazing work from the High Sheriff of Merseyside.

His Honour John Roberts paid tribute to the dedicated group of more than 90 who give up their valuable time to help Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust as part of an national volunteers week.

They work across all areas of the organisation providing vital support and expertise, including Trust Governors.

Most volunteer for about four hours each week, but some do more .. adding up to hundreds of hours of support that they kindly donate every week.

The High Sheriff telephoned a number of volunteers, thanking them for the wonderful work they do for the organisation.

Talking about his involvement in this campaign he said: "I am delighted to be able to support the Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust and to recognise the wonderful contribution made by all the volunteers of the Trust to the NHS and the Wirral community".

Among those receiving a telephone call was Mo Fairbairn who volunteers for Sexual Health Wirral, who was thrilled.

She said: "I told him that, aged 83, it's important for me to keep active, use my brain and feel useful.

"I believe age is no barrier - so working at the sexual health clinic once a week not only helps the service, but makes me get out and feel involved in something important.

"He was really interested in my role as a volunteer and I told him how much I enjoyed it, how welcoming and lovely the team are and how they really make me feel valued and special. "Working in sexual health also helps me keep in touch with what is going on and I feel my small contribution is helping an important cause.

"With teenage grandchildren myself I love going home and discussing things with them and encouraging them to talk openly.

"I'm not sure they enjoy this so much, although deep down they do think I am quite trendy doing what I do.

"I'd really recommend NHS volunteering to everyone. Volunteering has given me a real boost and helped me feel part of a team."

The Trust's chairman and chief executive sent all volunteers a ‘Thank You’ card in the post, which have been really well received.

Karen Howell, chief executive said: "Volunteers support front-line clinical and corporate services, from health visitors and school nurses in 0-19, to IT, community cardiology, dietetics, speech and language, Prenton Core Team, physiotherapy, sexual health and the league of friends.

"They do everything from administration tasks (such as filing, making up packs and inputting data) to hospitality, where they meet and greet people coming to our health centres and make sure they know where to go and are warmly welcomed.

"Each and every one of our volunteers are amazing - we would be truly lost without their support."