Peterborough hospital volunteer, 91, has ‘no plans to stop’

Ronald began volunteering in the 1990s following the death of his first wife – and it led to him meeting Mary.

What started as a way to fill his time in retirement soon became something far more meaningful.

He is one of the oldest members of the hospital’s 240-strong volunteer team.

“I was at a loose end,” he said.

“I’d retired and somebody suggested I perhaps would like to do volunteering at the hospital, which I did.

“I started it for something to do.

But now, after all these years, I don’t do it for something to do – I do it because I like doing it, and I do it to help people, not so much to help the hospital, but to help the patients.”

Mary, 81, said her husband, who also served in the army, is a humble man.

“He is very modest and a lovely man, and I love him,” she said.

“I met Ron on my first day as a volunteer here… we just clicked and we’ve been together really ever since.

“We both love it. To me, our Thursdays are extra special and we have such a special team.”

The couple say they have no intention of stepping away from their volunteer roles any time soon.

“As long as all of my legs will get me here, I’ll be here,” said Ronald.

“It’s as simple as that. I do enjoy it so much.”