An early-bird Robin volunteer who ensures patients at Abergele Hospital get their morning newspapers has been named a Health Board star.

Roger Harvey heads out in all weather conditions to make paper deliveries to patients at the two hospitals, and even helped staff get into work during the heavy snow last Winter.

Roger, who has been volunteering at the hospital for more than 10 years, was inspired to help others after receiving care at Glan Clwyd Hospital for a stroke in 2005.

During his stay, Roger broke up his days with trips to the hospital shop to buy a newspaper.

Having experienced first-hand the benefit of being able to read the latest news and socialise with others while reading, he was inspired to volunteer as a Robin to help others staying in hospital pass the time.

Roger, who until recently also volunteered at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “It’s nice to be recognised with an award. It’s just really about putting something back to the hospitals where I was poorly in 2005.

“They see my face, we have a chat about the weather or what’s happening on – just a bit of chat to help pass the day.”

Roger was nominated for the award by Domestic Assistant Angela Fortune, who he sees on his visits to Abergele Hospital.

Angela said: “I nominated Roger because he’s a volunteer, using his own car, time and money to help others, and puts a big smile on patients’ faces when he comes in in the morning.

“He takes requests and gets to know people, and if someone requests something not on his trolley he does his best to bring it in the next day.

“Without Roger some people who enjoy reading the papers would not have this luxury to look forward to. We just want to say thank you to him for all that he does.”

Gary Doherty, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The efforts of volunteers like Roger to brighten people’s days while in hospital is absolutely invaluable, and I was delighted to present him with his award.

“Being able to help people feel more comfortable during their stay in hospital is really important, and helps our staff to continue to deliver the best care they can.”

Staff can be nominated for a Seren Betsi Star award by their managers or team leaders, co-workers or patients, their families and members of the public.

Nominations are then considered and winners selected by BCUHB's 'Proud Of' working groups, made up of a wide cross section of staff from across the health board.

Winners are presented with a certificate, a commemorative Welsh slate trophy and a star badge which they can wear at work.