MARY Stevens Hospice has launched an appeal for volunteers who could spare a couple of hours a year to help at one of their events.

An open evening will be held at the Stourbridge charity on July 13, where members of the public can find out more about the help required to put on events which raise the money needed to keep the doors of the Hagley Road hospice open each year.

People can drop in at any time between 6pm and 9pm on the Thursday evening, with presentations from the fundraising team scheduled at 6pm and 7.30pm for anyone who wants to learn more about what the charity do on a day-to-day basis.

Laura Millard, event volunteer liaison at the charity, said: “We’re so privileged to have the support of fantastic individuals and organisations who make our events possible.

“However, our events are getting bigger and bigger, and to be perfectly honest we’re now at the point where we really could do with a few extra pairs of hands.

“These events are what raise the money needed to support local families in their hour of need, and we’re so grateful to our volunteers because that care simply wouldn’t be available without them.”

Jenni Bird, an event volunteer for the past 16 years, started volunteering with the Dudley borough cause after a chance meeting with the Halesowen fundraising group.

She said: “I happened to walk into the Cornbow Shopping Centre and I spoke to Irene who was in charge of the group.

“She explained I could volunteer for collecting at supermarkets, helping out on stalls and running events. I could volunteer for an hour or two whenever there was an event on.

"There was no pressure if I had no child care and couldn’t make it, which was perfect as I had a young son, so I just did bits here and there when I could.

“The next 16 years, as they say, are history and I still absolutely love doing it.

“I would say to anyone if you are thinking of volunteering, please come along and give us a try. We're a friendly lot and you'll be welcomed into the hospice volunteer family instantly.”

For more information about the volunteer open evening, visit www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/event/event-volunteer-Information-evening, or call the hospice fundraising team on 01384 377778.