Nearly five decades of kindness: British Red Cross celebrates Norfolk’s oldest volunteer

Gerald has been volunteering with the British Red Cross for nearly five decades, joining the organisation in 1978, at the age of 41, after leaving the Royal Air Force and beginning a long career as a fire officer. His introduction to the charity came through British Red Cross first aid training in Norwich. What started as refresher training soon became a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Over the years, Gerald volunteered across a wide range of British Red Cross services. He provided first aid at large public events across Norfolk, including Christmas festivals, county shows, Norwich City Football Club matches, and special events at Norwich Cathedral. He also volunteered in Ambulance Aid and Fire Victim Support, assisting people in the immediate aftermath of devastating fires.

Gerald’s first Fire Victim Support call stayed with him throughout his volunteering journey:

“My first call was to a tower block where a young woman had a fire in her flat. She survived, thankfully, but the flat was a complete mess.

“That was my first visit, and it’s something I remember. When you’ve been in fire services for many years, you learn to deal with what’s in front of you and just do what you can at the time.”

Today, Gerald continues to volunteer with the British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service, where he supports customers and assists the team:

“When I first started, I did more repairs and servicing, but now I mostly assist and spend time talking to people. I really enjoy having a good chat, meeting people. I’m happy to help where I can.”

The British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service, which Sid currently supports, has 3 outlets in Norfolk and Waveney: Norwich, King's Lynn and Lowestoft. The service provides short‑term loans of wheelchairs and mobility equipment to people recovering after surgery, those waiting for NHS wheelchair services, holidaymakers, and children over five who need temporary mobility support following accidents. Home delivery is also available.

Cally Smith, British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service Manager, said:
“Our team is incredibly grateful for Gerald’s long‑standing commitment and the support he has given to so many people over the years. In his earlier years, he volunteered regularly across different parts of Norfolk, giving around 500 hours a year. Today, we are very lucky to have such an experienced volunteer with us, and to see his continued passion for volunteering through the British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service, where he supports people who need access to mobility equipment.”

Gerald says his motivation for volunteering has always been simple:

“What keeps me motivated all this time is simply doing the right thing. You might need help yourself one day, so that’s great to learn and help others when you can. Come on, join, do your best and enjoy it!”

The Mobility Aids Service is looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested in joining can apply on the British Red Cross website.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Photographs of Gerald are available on request. 

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk