Volunteer recognised for 40 years' service to St Richard's

Mrs Snelling, who is in her 70s, signed up as a volunteer at St Richard’s Hospital in April 1971, giving patients the benefit of her skills as a hairdresser.

Over the years she has provided thousands of free haircuts to patients and she has now been recognised as the hospital’s longest-serving volunteer.

“I just love doing it,” she said.

“I just felt it would be a nice thing to do to bring pleasure to other people.”

Mrs Snelling, who lives in Chichester, visits Middleton Ward on Monday mornings, but used to go twice a week.

On average she completes four haircuts in a morning despite having had both hips replaced, and can do washes, blowdries and sets as well as trims.

She also manages to fit in visiting hospice residents once a week.

To mark her impressive volunteering milestone, Mrs Snelling was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a cake by hospital staff.

Husband Barrie said: “I’m very proud of her, and I hope she carries on for a very long time to come.”

Anyone who wants to know more about volunteering at St Richard’s should email [email protected] or call 01243 788122 extension 2456.