The NHS’s oldest volunteer, Beryl Carr BEM, who has worked in Ealing Hospital’s Friend’s Cafe since 2003, has now seen three Royal Coronations.
In 1937, Beryl saw King George VI, then in 1953 it was Queen Elizabeth II and just last weekend it was King Charles III.
The 101-year-old, who still volunteers one day a week at the League of Friends Café at Ealing Hospital, also had some celebrating of her own recently when she finally received her MBE for her services as a volunteer after not being able to make the official ceremony.
Beryl started working in the Friends Cafe at Ealing Hospital in 2003 preparing food and working on the till.
She said: “I’ve made a fair few sandwiches in my time but I really enjoy the social side of it. I can’t think of anything worse than being stuck in front of the TV all day. The great thing about volunteering is that you are helping other people but in funny way you are helping yourself as well.”
Last year, Beryl was also named as one of the 50 happiest Britons. The annual Happy List from The Independent honours 50 Britons “whose kindness, ingenuity and dedication make them some of the country’s most inspirational individuals”.
