AN unsung hero in volunteering who has spent more than three decades helping others is set to be recognised for his work.

Kevin Jones will receive an MBE for voluntary service in the north west of England after being named in the New Year Honours list.

While it has been a difficult secret to keep from his loved ones, the 57-year-old was finally able to break the news when he invited friends and family to the home he shares with long-term partner Stephen.

The now retired bank worker said: “I was sworn to absolute secrecy.

“I told my partner but that’s the only person.

“We could finally tell everyone on the evening of December 30.

“I had all the family round and we had a party.

“When we said we had an announcement they thought it was going to be bad news.

“Thankfully it was really good news.

“They were all shocked – there were tears everywhere.”

Kevin first started volunteering in September 1985 at St Catherine’s Hospice in Preston which was only a couple of miles from where he lived at the time.

From answering the phones on reception and washing dishes to delivering meal and talking to patients, Kevin quickly became a part of the fixtures and fittings at the hospice which provides support to people with life-limiting illnesses.

“I would talk to them about their lives. You would rarely talk about the illness,” he recalled.

“I would nip out to the shop just to get them a chocolate bar.

“Anything to make their lives better.”

During his time at the hospice Kevin, who now volunteers for the Citadel, held down a number of roles including honorary treasurer, a member of the board of trustees and chairman of the finance committee.

This was all the while holding down a full-time job.

While Kevin never started out volunteering for the recognition, he remembered feeling ‘flattered, astounded and thrilled’ when he was told of the honour.

He said: “You don’t do these things because you want an award. You do it because you want to give back.

“I would recommend it to anyone.

“So many charities do such marvellous work.

“It is what makes our society rich because we have so many kind people about.”

“They do things quietly and in an unassuming manner. Everyone should give it a go.”