Trust Chairman, Sandra Dodson with Fred Mitchell

Hospital says goodbye to its oldest volunteer who passed away aged 92

16 July 2014

Staff at Harrogate District Hospital have said goodbye to their oldest volunteer, who has passed away at the age of 93.

Fred Mitchell had volunteered at the Hospital for over 17 years in a range of areas. He assisted the Therapy Services staff with administrative tasks and acted as a “Welcomer” in the front reception. He had also been a volunteer driver, escorting patients to their hospital appointments. He was a regular sight around the corridors and always had a welcoming presence, even after he lost the power of speech through illness a few years ago.

Fiona Tomlinson, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
Everyone knew Fred and people couldn’t believe he was still so active and volunteered at the Hospital into his 90s. He would always greet everyone he saw with a beaming smile and was well known to staff and patients alike.

His kindness shone through in the way that he gave up his own time to help others by volunteering with us. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Earlier in his life, Fred had worked in accountancy and flew with the RAF during World War II. At the age of 86, he returned to the air to do a charity parachute jump.

He was widowed twice and leaves two children and two stepchildren.

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