An 84-year-old hospital volunteer has had a double-decker named after him after winning an award for his tireless dedication to staff and patients over the past 15 years.
Roy Brooks-Porter – a volunteer at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) – joins an exclusive club of local heroes who have a Nottingham City Transport (NCT) bus named after them.
NCT offers the honour as part of its sponsorship of NUH’s People First Recognition Awards and ceremony in November, where Roy was astounded to be named winner of the volunteer award category.
Roy was speechless when the Lilac line double-decker pulled up outside Trust HQ at City Hospital – “and that doesn’t happen much,” he joked.
“Honestly, it’s a privilege to be allowed to do what I do,” said Roy, who was accompanied by his wife, Gerlinda. “I’m no different in the hospital than I am outside – I’m just me, you know. I always acknowledge people and chat, I adjust the pillows and make sure patients can eat their meals, and I take bloods down to pathology… I’m always busy – there is never ever nothing to do – ever.
“People say it makes a big difference. I don’t really see that, but I suppose it must if you add up all the little jobs and errands.”
Matron Sam Bennett, who nominated Roy, said: “Roy has an extraordinary commitment and passion for serving others. His impact within elective orthopaedics and on the wards serves as a beacon of inspiration.
“His tireless dedication to the wellbeing of both staff and patients is nothing short of remarkable. Over his 15 years of volunteering, he has offered boundless kindness, compassion, and unwavering support, bringing hope to patients during challenging times and inspiring his colleagues through his dedication and positivity.”
Anthony Carver-Smith, NCT Head of Marketing and Projects, said the bus will serve Mapperley, where Roy lives, adding: “It was an honour to present Roy with his award at NUH’s People First Recognition Awards last November, and we’re delighted to be naming a bus after such a worthwhile person.
“Roy has made a huge difference to so many people through his 15 years of dedicated volunteering at the hospital, and it’s people like Roy who we like to celebrate with the prestigious honour of a bus-naming.”
Roy joins Ernesto Marongiu – a winner in last year’s NUH awards – on the 25-strong list of notable people to have an NCT bus named after them. Others include Sheku Kanneh-Mason, BBC Young Musician of the Year, and Olympic gold medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh.
NUH Voluntary Services Manager Kerry Harper said: “Roy is the epitome of what a volunteer should be. Having a bus named after him is a marvellous gesture – we’re so proud of Roy and all his achievements.”
Julia Holmes, Sister on Harvey 1 ward, said: “Roy has been volunteering at Harvey 1 for a number of years, and he deserves this award because of his dedication to the staff, our patients, and their families.
“The time he spends with us and the help he gives is priceless – this award is appropriate because Roy has humility, and he doesn’t readily accept praise.”
Roy – ever modest – said: “I can tell you how precious that place is and the people that work there – their hard work and dedication! It’s a privilege to be a volunteer at NUH, it really is. It’s kept me alive.”
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Trust, please visit: www.nuh.nhs.uk/volunteer-here
If a member of NUH staff or a team has gone above and beyond in caring for you or a relative, you can nominate them here: www.nuh.nhs.uk/awards
