Our Volunteer Head Gardener at City Hospice has had the honour of receiving a League of Mercy award.
Jim Goodwin and his wife Lynda had the privilege of being invited to the Mansion House in London after being nominated for the prestigious award. This invite was to collect a very impressive volunteer award known as ‘The League of Mercy’.
The League of Mercy awards are extremely prestigious and only handed to 25 distinguished volunteers across the UK each year.
The League of Mercy was established by Royal Charter 30th March 1899 and re-established as a charity registered in
England 30th March 1999. ‘We believe that it is vital to recognise and honor the work of volunteers. By doing so we may develop public awareness of their work and encourage others to join them in giving up their time to the voluntary care of those in need‘ – Lord Lingfield, President of the League of Mercy
A write up within the League of Mercy awards ceremony programme stated:
“Mr Jim Goodwin has had a career in horticulture and landscape design for over 50 years. He has had many important posts but it is for his volunteering skills and commitment to City Hospice in Cardiff for over 30 years that he received this award today. The gardens are beautiful and provide tranquil settings for the patients, most of whom are terminally ill, and their families to wander in and reflect. He organises, trains and supervises a large team of volunteer gardeners, all of whom regard it as a privilege to help Jim create this fine space for people who are at the end of their lives”
Jim who alongside his volunteering also judges for the RHS Wales in Bloom said:
“I’m normally used to handing out awards, it’s an incredible honour to receive one myself doing something I thoroughly enjoy”
Sam Curtis, Volunteer Officer added:
“Thank you ever so much for your amazing voluntary contribution over the last 30 years Jim, I’m glad we have been able to recognise it in such a fantastic way! Well done from us all at City Hospice. We are proud beyond words that you have received this award.”
Our charity is so grateful to all of our volunteers who give so freely of their time and skills to help us deliver palliative care to the people of Cardiff. If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities click here or contact Sam our Volunteer Officer by email here
