GRIMETHORPE man Roy Batty was thrilled to receive recognition for 20 years’ voluntary service at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals last week.

The 77-year-old, who is currently residing at Barnsley Hospice, first began volunteering for the NHS after undergoing a heart bypass surgery more than two decades ago.

It was the volunteers on the day who supported him after the surgery that led to him to throwing himself into the role.

He finally received his Queen’s Award - the MBE for volunteer groups - which is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK last week.

His wife Pat told the Chronicle: “When he has his heart bypass he was really frightened.

“A volunteer came into speak with him and that made him feel so much better.

“Since then he wanted to do that and he’s done it for more than 20 years.

“It’s the equivalent of an MBE but because Roy’s been on palliative care for the last year he didn’t get his award.”

Pat said the whole family were at the hospice on Friday to mark the celebrations.

“It means a lot, especially at this time when he’s very poorly,” she added.

“All the family came and they’re really proud of him.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Barnsley Hospice.

“They’ve been absolutely amazing and so supportive.”