Cross adds numbers

On the run-up to Red Cross Week, which starts on Sunday, fundraiser Mary Harrington says she wants to better last year's total, which went towards the charity's work in Wiltshire.

"We could do a lot more work with people if we had more volunteers," she said.

"The main commitment we ask of our volunteers is that they give us ten hours of their time a year, which is not a lot.

"Most people who do become volunteers with us give more than that."

Mrs Harrington said the charity was looking for volunteers to co-ordinate an open garden scheme, as well as people to send out mailshots and thank you cards, prepare collection tins and count the donations that come into the office.

Mrs Harrington stressed that the money raised during the special week would go to help people in the county.

"Many people associate the Red Cross with work overseas and don't realise all of the services that we offer right here in Wiltshire.

"It is these services that we need money to support.

"There is a wide range of things we do such as home visits when people leave hospital, the lending out of equipment and therapeutic massage treatment. Our volunteers also help people to cope in their own homes."

The Devizes branch of the British Red Cross has a variety of equipment to loan out to people with disabilities or special needs.These include wheelchairs, crutches, Zimmer frames, bath stools and commodes.

They can be loaned out for a maximum of six weeks and users are asked for a donation to meet the charity's costs.

Medical loan volunteer Brian Tuck said: "The equipment is usually loaned out to elderly people, most of whom have come out of hospital and they are not as mobile.

"They provide a lifeline to people who have mobility problems."

Mrs Harrington's mother was loaned a wheelchair and it enabled her to go to Silverstone with her daughter to watch the motor racing.

On Monday, Devizes resident Stanley Thomas picked up a wheelchair which his elderly brother Charles will use while he stays with him for a holiday.

Mr Thomas said: "The wheelchair will be of immense use to Charles. He's never been to Devizes before and it will help him to get around.

"I used to live in Kenya and I have the greatest respect for the work the British Red Cross does.

"When I realised that Charles would need a wheelchair when he came to stay with us in Devizes, I immediately thought of the British Red Cross."

Student Joanne Davies-Robertson spends her free periods working for the Red Cross as a therapeutic volunteer.

Joanne, 18, is a pupil at Hardenhuish School studying IT, chemistry and geography A-levels.

She uses her free time to help patients at Chippenham Hospital by offering them a therapeutic care service.

"I come into the hospital every Tuesday for three hours and any patient who wants a massage can have it," she said.

"It is quite popular and most of the patients like it and find it relaxing,"

The therapeutic care consists of a 30-minute session of hand and arm massage or neck and shoulder massage given through clothing. The volunteers can also give manicures.

The aim of the service is to assist relaxation and offer the opportunity for patients to talk with someone who is caring and compassionate.

"It helps patients who have had strokes but it is available to all ages," said Joanne.

"At the moment I am working with elderly patients in the Beech Ward."

The Red Cross trains volunteers in first aid and therapeutic care so previous experience is not necessary.

Volunteers are asked to commit to two hours a week or fortnight.

Joanne has been a Red Cross volunteer for four years and on turning 18 she was allowed to work with patients.

Red Cross was symbol of hope

FOR 84-year-old Ron Daniel, Home From Hospital provided a lifeline when he most needed it.

Like many people his age, Mr Daniel returned home from a stay in hospital to an empty house and the prospect of a lonely recovery.

But luckily for him, he heard about the Home From Hospital service while recovering from his operation at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

And by registering with the scheme straight away, he was able to ensure that a friendly face was there to help him through his long rehabilitation.

That friendly face belonged to Home From Hospital carer, Barbara Blundell.

Like Mr Daniel, Ms Blundell lives in Lyneham, so when his case came up, she was one of the first people on hand to offer him the help he needed.

Mr Daniel said: "I wasn't looking forward to going home afterwards to an empty house so Barbara was a godsend.

"She helped me for several months following my return home. She was absolutely wonderful.

"She did my shopping to start with and eventually started taking me out shopping so I could have a wander.

"I do have other friends who helped me out, but they all have children and other commitments, so it was wonderful that Barbara could help me in this way.

"She really helped me to get back on my feet again."

Home From Hospital co-ordinator Allison Stowell said: "Home From Hospital is a great service which genuinely helps people to get home and well again.

"It's available on a short-term basis to any hospital patient who needs it.

"And we do all we can to make a patient's return home as worry-free and comfortable as possible, whether that involves getting their home ready for their arrival, helping with meals, collecting their pension, shopping, filling in forms or even just visiting for a cup of tea and a chat."