One of our valued retail volunteers was recognised for her tireless efforts last week when she received the Order of Mercy – an award which recognises distinguished voluntary work within the health and social care sectors.
Isabelle Ashford has been supporting our hospice for over 15 years, initially volunteering at our Weoley Castle shop, and then the Bartley Green branch. She is also happy to help out at other stores in our network when they need extra support.
Over time she has built a superb rapport with our repeat customers, for whom the shops often provide a social hub.
Isabelle has turned her hand to a wide range of tasks, from sorting and labelling clothing, books and bric a brac for sale to regularly restocking the shelves. She has been instrumental in promoting the sale of second-hand costume jewellery, an area which she found generated consistent income from customers for our benefit.
She received the award during a ceremony at the beautiful Mansion House in the City of London on Friday 11 July. This marked the second year running that a volunteer from our hospice was recognised after Richard Green received the same award last year for his work with our Fundraising Team.
