One of the Samaritans volunteers from the Bournemouth and District branch will be donning their posh frock, for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday bash on Tuesday 22 May 2018.
Janet will bring many years of volunteering experience to the palace party, which celebrates the work of the charities and organisations that Prince Charles is Patron to.
The lucky volunteer, who will be tucking into a sarnie and a sipping a brew with royalty, is attending the prestigious party after being nominated for their commitment and dedication to volunteering by Charlie, the Branch Director at the local Samaritans.
Janet, who has been a Samaritans volunteer for over 40 years, is very excited to be part of the exclusive event. She said: “It’s an honour to have been nominated to attend the special party. I can’t wait to have a cuppa from royal china and see the beautiful Palace gardens.”
Branch Director Charlie said: “Janet is one of the kindest and most caring people you will ever meet and she doesn’t take any nonsense. We are very lucky to have her at the Bournemouth and District branch.
She has over 40 years’ volunteering experience with Samaritans and during this time has made an outstanding contribution as a listening volunteer on regular shifts. Janet has had roles across the region and for the central Samaritans office.”
Dr Andrew Mayers, a Principal Academic at Bournemouth University and Patron for Samaritans of Bournemouth and District said: “Janet epitomises the dedication and commitment Samaritans volunteers demonstrate in providing a listening ear to deeply distressed people. She has literally saved lives. We are all so proud of her. She so richly deserves this honour.”
Over the years as national Patron, Prince Charles has met many Samaritans volunteers and supporters and enjoyed a cup of tea from a Samaritans mug as part of the charity’s 60th birthday celebrations in 2013.
Samaritans volunteers will be presenting Prince Charles with a personalised photo gift which aims to represent the number of calls for help Samaritans has answered since he became Patron. Over the 19 years as Patron, Samaritans has responded to approximately 96.8 million calls for help.
