Anna Hayes, a ‘Hospice Neighbours’ volunteer at St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds who visits people with life-shortening illnesses, won the Volunteer of the Year award at the Stars of Suffolk 2014 ceremony at Suffolk New College.
Speaking after winning the title on Thursday night, she said: “Having been a specialist nurse for a long time, it is my passion to make the general public aware of dementia and try to demystify what dementia is to volunteers.
“I really enjoy it and learn so much. I am really proud to be a Hospice Neighbour.
“It can be (challenging at times) but because I have got the skills, I don’t find it challenging but I know a lot of volunteers do.
“People with dementia are still people. They have feelings and you can make their lives so much better if you know how to approach them.”
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