A KIND-HEARTED pensioner who signed up for a six-week stint volunteering for St Luke’s Hospice is celebrating 25 years in the role.

Brian Welch, 81, from Nantwich, volunteered as a patient driver in 1990, initially filling in for a friend for a trial period.

To this day, Brian continues to drive patients to this day and continues to make an impact on the people he comes into contact with each week.

Brian said: “I pick them up in the morning, if they have bags to carry, I carry their bags for them, I open the door for them, I put their seatbelt on and do the same when I take patients home.

“I take them back to their homes and I make sure they are alright and then I go home.”

Not only does Brian father of three drive his patients but he often tends to the day hospice garden, maintaining the day hospice fountain and watering the plants and shrubbery.

Also, Brian has been a loyal St Luke’s lottery player for more than 22 years

He said: “I do what I can for St Luke’s because it’s such a wonderful place. I enjoy everything that is involved with St Luke’s.

“I enjoy coming here I am just thankful to be given the opportunity to be involved in such an important part of the community.”

Sadly 12 months ago Brian’s wife Josie lost her battle with breast cancer and died peacefully in St Luke’s Hospice.

Josie encouraged Brian to carry on driving patients and to make it to his 25th year of volunteering.

Clare Wolff, day hospice manager, said: “Brian always has a smile for patients and staff alike and fully understands how important it is for patients to be able to access our service.

“His gentle approach has helped many anxious patients to feel at ease when they first attend.

“The journey for many patients is an enjoyable experience, seeing the countryside and having a chat about everyday life makes it more than just a journey.

“Our team is extremely grateful to Brian for the dedication he has shown to us, our patients and the hospice.”