The NHS’s oldest volunteer, Beryl Carr, who has worked in Ealing Hospital’s Friend’s Cafe since 2003, has been 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”.
Centenarian Beryl made it to Happy List along with 49 other inspiring people including a woman who has helped to resettle more than 500 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, a man who launched a bike recycling scheme during lockdown and has since fixed over 300 bikes for people across Yorkshire and a woman who provides frontline support to vulnerable people across London.
Beryl said: “The great thing about volunteering is that you are helping other people but in funny way you are helping yourself as well.”
Earlier this year, Beryl celebrated her 100th birthday and still volunteers one day a week at Ealing Hospital to help prepare and serve food to those using the popular Friends Cafe.
“I’ve made a fair few sandwiches in my time but I really enjoy the social side of it,” Beryl said. “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.”
