Cumberland man has completed 700 volunteering tasks

Eric Clarke, of Carlisle, has been volunteering since New Year’s Day 2021 and has completed hundreds of steward volunteering shifts at his COVID-19 vaccination sites.

He was awarded a Coronation Champions Award last year, after being nominated by a nurse at one of the vaccination sites he supported.

Eric has returned to this role for every COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccination Programme over the past three years.

He has also helped provide valuable support to ambulance crews at Cumberland Infirmary A&E by offering drivers a friendly chat and refreshments.

Eric is one of over 40,000 volunteers making a difference through NHS and Care Volunteer Responders, a programme delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM.

Eric Clarke, NHS and Care Volunteer Responders Volunteer, said: "I have truly enjoyed every moment of volunteering.

"I know I am doing something worthwhile.

"I am meeting and helping many people and making lots of new friends in the process.

"I have also gained new skills and made some wonderful memories that will stay with me for many years to come.

"For me, volunteering has been life-changing.

"I’d most definitely recommend volunteering.

"There are so many different types of volunteer activities available, all necessary and worthwhile.

"You can choose what activities you want to do and when you want to do them."

Sam Ward OBE, deputy CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: "Completing 700 tasks is a highly impressive accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud and thankful for Eric’s efforts.

"His hard work has undeniably made a positive impact in Carlisle, supporting the NHS, healthcare teams, and those most vulnerable in his community.

"I’d encourage anyone feeling inspired to give back to visit our website and become a volunteer today.

"Whether you go on to complete one task, or one thousand, a single action can be all it takes to make a difference."

Volunteering with NHS and Care Volunteer Responders is completely flexible and is managed through the GoodSAM smartphone app.

This allows volunteers to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of people in their area, and remotely, at times and locations that suit them.

Those ready to make a difference can visit the website for more details on the volunteer activities available and how to sign up: nhscarevolunteerresponders.org.

In addition to his work with NHS and Care Volunteer Responders, Eric has also played a key part in protecting the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable people in his community.

He has contributed to the success of the biggest vaccination programme in history.

Mr Clarke hopes his achievement will encourage more people in Cumberland to step forward and give volunteering a go.