THIS week is Volunteers' Week – a national celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.

At St Leonard's Hospice, we are lucky to have well over 600 volunteers who share their time, skills and passion with us across almost every department.

From volunteering at fundraising events and in our charity shops, to offering bereavement support, helping on the In-patient Unit and offering a volunteer visitor service, we couldn't operate without this vital support.

This year's event feels very different to other years as most of our volunteers are not currently able to be in their roles, but we still want to celebrate the amazing contribution our volunteers make and to let them know that we miss them.

We would usually hold a thank you tea party within the week, but will instead be holding a virtual party on Friday as we all sit down at the same time and enjoy a drink and cake. This gives us the chance to sit down 'together' even though we will be apart.

As it is our 35th anniversary year, it is important to reflect on the impact volunteers have had throughout our history.

On behalf of the trustees, staff and patients of St Leonard's Hospice would like to thank our volunteers past and present for all their support during the last 35 years.

Emma Johnson, Chief Executive, St Leonard's Hospice