BIRMINGHAM Hospice would like to wish inspirational former volunteer Olive Ellins, who dedicated her retirement to supporting patients and families at our Selly Park site, a wonderful 100th birthday.
Hospital in Birmingham.
Olive celebrated her centennial year and a remarkable life on Sunday, May 4th with friends and family at her home in Moseley.
Born in Redditch, the centurion spent a lifetime caring for others, first as a nurse working for City Hospital and then training and educating countless generations as a tutor.
After retiring in 1980, she continued to care for others when she looked after a friend who lived at home following a stroke.
In December 1991, Olive began volunteering at our hospice in Selly Park twice a week and quickly built a strong rapport with staff, patients and families. For many she was affectionately known by the nickname ‘Bab.’
When she finished in 2009 at the age of 84, Olive was such a beloved figure the hospice threw her a huge party with a ‘This is Your Life’ theme, which featured staff and patients sending heartfelt messages of thanks. She was embraced by patients when leaving and reduced to tears.
Downing Street.
Paul Bytheway, Birmingham Hospice Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at Birmingham Hospice I would like to wish Olive a very happy 100th birthday.
“Olive has dedicated her life to caring for people and we’d all like to say a huge thank you for the support she has given to our patients.”
Olive has never forgotten the hospice’s vital work to care for those at the end of their lives and marked her 95th birthday by raising and donating £200 for the charity.
In 1954, she was chosen to deliver an 80th birthday card to Winston Churchill at 10 Downing Street and in 1977 was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for services to nursing.
Over the years she has stayed in contact with many of her former students, who remained in nursing until retirement.
Everyone at Birmingham Hospice hopes Olive enjoyed a wonderful 100th birthday and thanks her for the vital contribution she made caring for those who needed it the most.
Volunteers play a vital role helping Birmingham Hospice to ensure those with life-limiting conditions receive the care and dignity they deserve.
From our Retail Team to our Living Well Centre, we have a wide variety of opportunities for kind hearted people who want to support our mission. Learn more about how to get involved here.
