©InfoAlmost half a century after joining the Red Cross as a volunteer, tireless pensioner Eileen Bush is still going from strength to strength.
Eileen, from Marple in Cheshire, first joined the Red Cross 48 years ago to learn first aid. As the mother of three young children, she wanted to be sure she’d know how to help them if things went wrong.
Since then, the indomitable pensioner has taught thousands of people life-saving skills in her role as a first aid volunteer. She said: “I couldn’t begin to guess how many people I’ve trained over the years – I started in March 1968 and have been doing it ever since."
Volunteering dynamo
Eileen has recently been using interpreters to help her train members of the Asian community in Hyde. She said: “It takes twice as long but it’s lovely to do. Plus I’ve now trained four people to become qualified trainers themselves, so they’re able to take sessions.”
It’s been far from a quiet life. Forty years ago, the multi-tasking dynamo established the Red Cross’ medical equipment service in her home town – in her cellar! – and now the flourishing service helps hundreds of people each year from commercial premises. And 12 years ago, she was responsible for opening the much-loved British Red Cross shop in her home town.
Sadly, her beloved shop was devastated by a fire – triggered by an electrical fault – in late January. However, just over a month later it was refurbished and ready for business again. Naturally, Eileen was asked to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.
‘Keeps me young’
And age has not dimmed Eileen in the least. Still going strong, the pensioner regularly teaches first aid and volunteers at the Red Cross shop. She said: “My family think I’m mad, but it keeps me young!”
And her advice to potential volunteers? “Just do it. You get far more from it than you give in to it. it’s a lovely feeling you get helping others and it’s given me such pleasure.”
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