82-year-old volunteer at care home awarded British Empire Medal

A great-grandfather, who has been volunteering at The Royal Star & Garter Homes for a quarter of a century, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours List.

John Parvin, who has been given the award in recognition of voluntary service to veterans said: “It was a hell of a surprise when I found out. I thought ‘what have I done to deserve this?”

The 82-year-old started helping out when his father-in-law moved into the care home in Richmond. The Royal Star & Garter Homes cares for ex-Servicemen and women and their partners living with dementia or disability.

John spent 18 months as a volunteer before working for the charity as a care worker. When he retired in 2001, he stayed on to work as a volunteer. His wife Lesley and sister-in-law Shirley have also volunteered at the Richmond and Surbiton care homes since 1993. His brother-in-law Terry is also a long-time volunteer.

John, who served in the Army between 1957 and 1959, originally trained as a carpenter and helps residents with woodwork. He also assists on trips and helps run the mobile shop selling treats and toiletries. He enjoys chatting to residents, reading newspapers to them or making them cups of tea.

“It’s just like spending time and talking to a friend or a neighbour. You have a good chat and share jokes and laughs. I get a lot of satisfaction myself when I’m there,” he said.

John added: “And I have no plans of stopping either, I enjoy it too much.”

Andy Cole, The Royal Star & Garter Homes’ chief executive said: “We are delighted that John’s dedication to the Charity and our residents has been recognised in this way.

“The Royal Star & Garter Homes relies on volunteers such as John, Lesley, Shirley and Terry to help provide our veterans with the best possible care. After many years’ service in our Richmond and Surbiton Homes, the British Empire Medal is a hugely fitting honour for John to receive.”

Professor Louise Robinson, director of Newcastle University’s Institute for Ageing, also featured in the New Year’s Honours List. She was awarded a Damehood for her services to primary care and said: “I am overwhelmed and absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way for what, to me, has been not a job but a lifelong passion to improve the care of older people, especially those living with dementia.”

Former chief nursing officer for England Professor Jane Cummings was awarded a CBE and seven firefighters who saved elderly residents from a fire at a care home in Cheshunt in 2017 were also honoured.