When Ken Buckley was successfully treated for open heart surgery, he decided he wanted to give something back to the NHS. 

His wife, Ada, suggested volunteering at Tameside Hospital and he agreed.

Twenty-five years on and Ken, who lives in Guide Bridge, has been a regular volunteer on the surgical ward at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust ever since.

For a quarter of a century his friendly manner and ability to cheer people up have made him a hit with patients and staff alike. In fact, he is known as the guy who can always be relied on to provide a welcome cuppa  - although he has developed a good humoured reputation for teaming up his tea with ‘rubbery toast’.

He says: “One of the patients said my toast was rubbery and the reputation stuck. I don’t mind. It’s just a bit of fun and I like to have a laugh and a joke. 

“I’ve always worked on the surgical ward. Over the years the location has changed and there’s been a turnover in staff but everyone is lovely and I enjoy being part of a great team.”

Ken, who turned 80 last month, sadly lost Ada in February last year to cancer. The couple, who have two sons, had been married for 56 years and Ada was herself a valued member of the Trust’s Chaplaincy team for ten years. 

Ken’s long service has been rewarded with a special presentation from deputy Chief Executive Trish Cavanagh who paid tribute to his kindness and dedication. 

“Ken epitomises all that is important about volunteering. He gives his time freely and can always be relied on to make the day that bit brighter for patients and staff. We can’t thank him enough."

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