Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) surprised two of its long serving volunteers with a celebratory gathering in the Mall Coffee Shop conservatory at the Pioneering Care Centre recently.
John Lindley and Molly Faux have been volunteering for PCP for 10 years and give over 300 hours each year as volunteer Walk Leaders on PCP’s Health Walk.
Staff, fellow volunteers and walking group participants greeted the two after they returned from their weekly health walk on Thursday.
John started to come to PCP when he took early retirement following a back injury. He said “I was at a point in my life when I had time on my hands. I was determined to stay positive and not let my health problems get the better of me. I decided I wanted to do more of what I enjoy; walking, gardening, learning and most importantly spending time with my wife Ann.
We attended an open day at PCP and never looked back. First my wife and I started as participants, we joined the walking group, met some great people and it grew from there. I wanted to take things easier and live a quieter life but it wasn’t long before I was taking courses in first aid and walk leader training. I also have a plot in PCP’s community garden.
Volunteering for PCP gives me a purpose, if I hadn’t been involved for the past 10 years my health problems would have gotten worse; I would have become bored, depressed and unfit. I now feel like a young lad, my health has improved through being physically, socially and mentally active.”
Molly started attending the walking group to meet new people from the local area. Moving from Northumberland she didn’t know anyone in Newton Aycliffe. Also retired, she wanted to become more socially active.
Molly was overwhelmed by the recognition of her volunteering for PCP, she said “I’m just giving back what PCP has given me, I wanted to meet new people and now I have made some lovely friends. The walking group is full of people of all ages and walks of life, some are widowed, some have health problems and others just like the chatter! Plus the fresh air and exercise makes people feel better.
Through volunteering we get to keep the group going, helping more people. I would recommend volunteering to everyone, it’s one of the best ways to meet new people and help out in your community; which also makes you feel good.”
Chief Executive Carol Gaskarth presented them with a gift and said “A huge thank you to Molly and John for all their support over the last 10 years. PCP volunteers are invaluable in supporting the organisation to achieve its mission to improve health, wellbeing and learning for all. I wish to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all of PCP’s volunteers, without whom we could not achieve so much.”
The Health Walk takes place every Thursday 10.30-11.30am from the Pioneering Care Centre and is free of charge.For further information on volunteering for PCP or activities on offer contact 01325 321234, enquiries@pcp.uk.net or visit www.pcp.uk.net
