Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) marked Volunteers Week recently by honouring those who give up their time for the organisation in a special ceremony.

The charity has 800 volunteers who have contributed 42,554 hours of their time over the past year.

CHAS conducted celebratory events at Ardoch Loch Lomond near Robin House hospice and Millbridge Hall in Kinross, close to Rachel House hospice, and an online event for those unable to be there in person.

West Dunbartonshire Provost Douglas McAllister attended the Ardoch event, and handed out milestone recognition awards to the volunteers.

Volunteers who concluded their first year of service, received their CHAS alphabet pin badge.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Each of the letters has been designed by the children's families that have been supported by the charity.

Volunteers with five, ten, and fifteen years of service were also recognised with bronze, silver, and gold awards respectively.

New volunteers were given special certificates of thanks.

Those who have been with them for more than 20 years were given a canvas designed by the children who have been supported by CHAS.

Tracy Brittan, Margaret Gillespie, and Robina Wilson all received the 20-year awards.

Margaret Robinson, CHAS’s sole volunteer complementary therapist at Robin House, received a special note of thanks for her unique contributions that have brought comfort to children and their families.

Research volunteer Idrees Ahmed, from Glasgow, who also supports at fundraising events and collection drives, said: "Volunteering with CHAS is definitely one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life.

"I get so much support and it means a lot to me that the work I do is personally making a real difference to the lives of the children and families supported by the charity.

"I find that really rewarding.

"It has also helped me make so many good contacts and good friends with similar interests."

Fiona Harvey, head of volunteering at CHAS, said: "The love and compassion that CHAS volunteers show is truly inspiring

"Whether through their volunteering in Robin House, in the community or through raising vital funds for CHAS, they are all making an impact on families going through the hardest of journeys.

"It is a pleasure and a privilege to recognise their efforts." Currently, CHAS is on a lookout for a West Dunbartonshire community engagement volunteer who can help spread the word about CHAS in the community and businesses."

This role is ideally suited to someone who has strong links with community groups and businesses.

If you are interested in this role or other volunteering opportunities, you can get in touch by emailing volunteering@chas.org.uk.