The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, recently visited the county's British Red Cross centre in Truro where he met staff and volunteers.

Mr Bolitho was told about their contribution to the work of the Red Cross and the need for funds so that vital services can continue to be delivered. Volunteer Mandy Goldring also talked about her role supporting people coming home from hospital to be as independent as possible.

The Red Cross Support at Home service gives people the help they need to recuperate after a stay in hospital. Volunteers like Mandy support individuals in their own home helping them to get back on their feet by doing tasks such as shopping or arranging meal deliveries. This regular support can often make the difference between the person being able to stay at home or having to go back to hospital.

Mandy also spoke of her emergency response role where she helps people who have suffered a fire or a flood in their home. The Red Cross works in partnership with the emergency services to provide practical and emotional support to those affected by the emergency.

Gill Mercer, the charity's senior community fundraiser in Cornwall and Devon, said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome the Lord Lieutenant to our offices in Cornwall. We were able to tell him about the extensive services provided by the Red Cross in Cornwall and introduce him to some of our fantastic and dedicated volunteers who give up their own time to support people in crisis in our communities across Cornwall.”

For more information on the British Red Cross visit redcross.org.uk.