Long-serving volunteer attends royal garden party

A volunteer who has supported families at a children's hospice has said she felt "very privileged" to be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

The events are a way for members of the Royal Family to meet a broad range of people who have made a positive impact in their community.

Val Sharp, from Slaidburn in the Ribble Valley, has dedicated about 3,000 hours over three decades to Derian House in Chorley.

The 65-year-old said: “Prince William was there, along with Zara Phillips, Mike Tindall, Peter Phillips, Beatrice and Eugenie. It was a lovely day."

Ms Sharp's dedication as the longest-serving volunteer at the charity was recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP, who nominated her to attend the party on 21 May.

She was part of the original support group that set up the hospice in 1993 when it first opened its doors to the public, and began by volunteering on the reception desk.

"I was so pleased to find out I had been nominated to attend and was quite touched that it had come because of my time at Derian House," she said.

She said the rain did not dampen guests' spirits as "8,000 guests with 8,000 umbrellas" watched the arrival of Prince William and members of the Royal Family while the band played the National Anthem.

Ms Sharp attended with her husband John and said: "We were able to help ourselves to lots of tea, sandwiches and cake under the marquee.

“We had a walk around the 40-acre gardens, where there was a lovely rose garden and an enormous lake in the middle.

"We met a lot of people – a few other charity volunteers and members of the armed forces.

“It really was a very good day and I feel very privileged to have been a part of it.”

Frances Lees, volunteer coordinator at Derian House, said: “The time and expertise that Val has put into Derian House is invaluable.

"We are very lucky to have her."

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