'Selfless' work earns volunteer life award

Whangarei Child Cancer Foundation volunteer Anne Bielby accepts an Honorary Life Membership award from the Governor General, His Excellency, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae for 30 years of dedicated work with the organisation. Photo / Supplied

A Whangarei woman said she was "dumbstruck" when she found out she had won a long service award.

Anne Bielby was awarded the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF) Honorary Life Membership award for her selfless volunteer work for the organisation.

Ms Bielby said she couldn't contain her excitement.

"I stuttered and stumbled on the phone to the person who called," Ms Bielby said.

The award was handed to Ms Bielby by Governor General, His Excellency, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae at Government House in Auckland. Ms Bielby had volunteered for the CCF since the 1980s when, with two health professionals and two parents, she helped form CCF's local branch committee.

"I was working as charge nurse of the paediatric ward (at Whangarei Hospital) and became aware of the hard time families had and their need for support," said Ms Bielby.

Chairwoman of the Whangarei CCF Louise O'Hagan, said she "couldn't speak highly enough" of Anne.

"Anne's a lady that doesn't like much fuss. But a fuss is deserved," said Ms O'Hagan.

Ms Bielby has enjoyed working for the CCF.

"My involvement with CCF has involved working with some great people, brought lots of fun activities, some very sad times, the chance to really extend my professional skills and the ability to help and offer support to children and their families at a desperate time in their lives."

In 1997, Ms Bielby studied for an advanced diploma in paediatric palliative care at Auckland University of Technology, so that the care for terminally ill children was properly managed, which showed her dedication towards children's health and well-being.

"There are sad times because sometimes we do lose them, but the children are amazing. They just want to be kids and have fun," she said.

Ms Bielby was nominated by the Northland branch committee for the valued support she has given many families over the years.

Several branch members from Whangarei, including Ms O'Hagan, attended the ceremony as her guests.