3,000th patient visited by Canaries in the Community volunteer

Fifteen year old patient Ellie Loades, from Colkirk near Fakenham, is the 3,000th patient to be visited at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital by Canaries in the Community volunteer Duncan MacInnes. Ellie received a shirt signed by the Canaries first team squad and a signed player poster of her choice.

Duncan MacInnes founded Canaries for the Community in February 2003 has been visiting the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital each week when Norwich City Football Club have had a win or draw.

He says: “I get brilliant feedback from patients which makes my work so rewarding. Time after time I have seen examples of how football can help patients put aside their worries or perhaps boredom. Surprising children by giving them stickers and other club merchandise also very often brings a response of delight. As well as showing highlights of the games on laptop computer at patient's bedsides, I give out free Match Day Programmes, signed player cards, posters and CFTC stickers.”

Duncan added: “I am delighted to have reached the 3,000th patient and especially pleased that Ellie was the person involved.

Ellie’s father Nick Loades said: “Having Duncan visit is a great thing for us since we are big fans but can very rarely get to the matches. Ellie enjoys watching the highlights and we both really like discussing with Duncan the latest news from the club.”

There are about 600 volunteers who give up their time to help patients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Cromer Hospital. The contribution of volunteers is being highlighted this week during national Volunteers week.

Sally Knights, Voluntary Services Manager at NNUH said: “Duncan provides an absolutely fantastic service. He seeks out the football fans amongst our patients and always greets them with good humour and a smile – even when the football footage is not so positive! He really is a great ambassador for the Canaries and all things football! He has a great relationship with the football club and sometimes arranges visits from the players… he certainly scores highly with our patients!

John Fry, Chairman of NNUH, said: “Highlighting Duncan’s role just shows how varied the contributions can be from our volunteers. Each year individuals and organisations hold events for national Volunteers Week to celebrate and promote the contribution of volunteers and the NNUH is proud to highlight some of the fantastic work provided by our voluntary team.”