Volunteer Linda receives a royal invitation

A life-saver has spoken of her delight after receiving a Royal Garden Party invitation in recognition of more than 10 years volunteer work.

Linda Darby, 49, became a community first responder in 2005 and has been co-ordinator of the Stalham and Smallburgh Community First Responder (CFR) group in Norfolk for the last seven years.

Linda, who received a 10 years’ volunteer service award from the Trust last year, will attend the Royal event in May. Her partner Mervyn Hardingham has also volunteered for the group for more than 10 years.

She said: “I used to belong to St John Ambulance and I saw a sign about CFRs in 2005 and it started from there. I’ve lost count the number of hours I have volunteered! The best bit is helping people in the community where you live. There are people living today because of what we have done for them.”

“I was a bit apprehensive when I got the garden party invitation, but I’m looking forward to it. It is a once in a lifetime thing to go to.”

Stalham and Smallburgh CFRs attend calls as far as Bacton, Hoveton, Ludham, Potter Heigham, Sutton, Catfield and Hickling. The group has seven active volunteers.

Published 11th March, 2016