• Dedicated volunteer at Royal Bolton Hospital celebrates her 90^th birthday
• Edna Carlisle was born on January 18, 1935, and has given years of her life to volunteering
• A surprise birthday party was held on the Churchill Unit, where Edna volunteers

One of Royal Bolton Hospital’s dedicated volunteers is celebrating a milestone birthday as she turns 90 years old.

Edna Carlisle was born on January 18, 1935, and received a surprise birthday party in the hospital’s Churchill Unit, where she regularly gives her time to support staff and patients since 2018.

In 2022, Edna was voted the Trust’s Special Supporter of the Year Award at 88 years young, after dedicating 25 years of her life to supporting the hospital and wider NHS family.

Speaking about what inspires her to volunteering, Edna said:

It was loneliness at home that first motivated me to start volunteering at the hospital. It’s lovely to volunteer because at the end of the day you feel as though you have made a difference, no matter how big or small.

“I can go home happy because I know I’ve done something for somebody. I can go and sit with patients and talk to them, and I can be known for talking too much sometimes!

“It’s special to be able to sit with the patients when they need someone and make sure they’re comfortable.

“I would always recommend volunteering – I never want to stop! Whatever you do as a volunteer, it’s always important.

Before joining Bolton NHS Foundation Trust as a volunteer, Edna was previously a volunteer with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Services, supporting the hospital’s Main Reception, on the wards and in the thoracic department.

James Mawrey, Director of People and Deputy Chief Executive at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

It’s a privilege to present Edna with a very special birthday surprise to celebrate her milestone 90^th birthday and shine a spotlight on the many years she has given to support our patients and staff.

“People like Edna make the world go round, touching the lives of so many staff and patients by putting smiles on their faces. Edna is such a caring, compassionate person who has shown this throughout her time volunteering with us and I want to say a big thank you for all that she does to make a difference.

Anyone over the age of sixteen can apply to help at the hospital. All volunteering opportunities are advertised on Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s careers page, people can speak to Volunteers Services for more information by calling 01204 390560.