Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has recently held a series of special events to honour the immense dedication of its staff and volunteers, whose combined service spans thousands of years.
Celebrating Decades of Voluntary Dedication
The first event, held in the Stepping Hill Hospital restaurant, was dedicated to the trust's invaluable volunteers. It was hosted by Chief Executive Karen James OBE and Chair David Wakefield.
Attendees were each marking a significant milestone of either 5, 15, 20, or 25 years of service. Collectively, this group represented an astonishing over 150 years of dedication and experience.
The longest-serving volunteer honoured was Charles ‘Skip’ Hamilton, who has devoted an incredible 25 years of service to the Treehouse children’s unit. The awards ceremony and meal provided a well-deserved opportunity to thank all volunteers for the vital role they play in the hospital's operations.
Honouring NHS Staff with 2,720 Years of Service
A separate, grand event was held at Stockport County FC’s Edgeley Park Stadium to recognise employees who have reached 20, 30, or 40-year service milestones within the NHS.
Karen James, alongside fellow Trust Board members, presented awards to 44 employees at this event. This came after 111 staff members were recognised at an earlier ceremony in July.
The scale of commitment in the room was staggering, representing a total of 1,150 years of NHS service at the stadium event and an amazing 2,720 years of combined service across both events. The honoured staff included nurses, midwives, therapists, administrators, personal assistants, pharmacists, and many other professions, showcasing the diverse range of roles essential to local NHS care.
A Solemn Remembrance Day Service
In a separate act of commemoration, the trust's chaplaincy and spiritual care team held a Remembrance Day service for both staff and the public. The service took place in Stepping Hill Hospital’s restaurant.
The gathering was attended by several armed forces veterans, including a standard bearer from the Cheshire Regiment and a volunteer from the Royal British Legion in Hazel Grove. Deputy chief executive John Graham was also present.
A poignant moment was provided by a student from Stockport Grammar School, who played the bugle for the traditional performance of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’, framing the two-minute silence of remembrance.
These events collectively highlight the deep-rooted culture of service and commitment within the Stockport NHS community, from its paid staff to its selfless volunteers and military veterans.
