In January Roy, 87, will have been volunteering with our charity for 25 years. He is an ex-footballer, having played for Chelsea and Millwall, as well as an ex-serviceman, having been in the Korean War and Suez Crisis, for which he received medals. Currently he lives in Littlehampton with his wife, Shirley.

Roy will be volunteering on Christmas Eve as part of our Worthing Cares project, delivering hampers and doorstep chats to some of our service users who will be spending the holidays alone. He was kind enough to talk to us about the project.

If you would like to donate to our Worthing Cares Christmas fundraising campaign, please visit its JustGiving page. Help us brighten someone’s Christmas.

What makes Christmas special to you?

Well, it’s a time for families – it’s a family affair, Christmas. And of course if you’ve got children, it’s a children’s time. My children have grown up, but I’ve got a lovely wife and I’ve enjoyed my Christmas with her for the last 38 years – and I hope to continue to do so this year.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Worthing Cares project?

I used to pick up people on the bus and bring them back to Guild Care for Christmas lunch. I’ve always looked after the old people at Christmas – so, I’d like to continue this year. I’m here to help the old people, even though I’m old myself! I want to put something back into the community.

Roy with his wife Shirley at our 2018 Staff and Volunteer Awards

Why do you think it’s important that those spending Christmas alone receive a doorstep visit and a hamper?

These people live on their own and they get very lonely. I used to deliver ‘meals on wheels’ for 15 years and it was the same thing there. They were always pleased to see us coming down the garden path. They look forward to seeing someone to talk – and I’m there to do that if they want it.

What makes the Worthing community special?

First of all, Guild Care are part of Worthing. They’ve been operating since 1933 and the Guild is a magnificent organisation for the old people. And when you mention Worthing and the old, the first word that comes to people’s mind is ‘Guild Care’. It [Worthing] is a special town, because a lot of towns don’t do it.

If you would like to donate to our Worthing Cares Christmas fundraising campaign, please visit its JustGiving page. Help us brighten someone’s Christmas.