Let's give Jabs Army another big boost and volunteer, says Elaine Paige

THE Sun's brilliant Jabs Army volunteers are needed again. . . and this time we'd like you to get on your wagons.

Hospitals across the country are desperately short of people to drive refreshments through the wards.

The Duchess of Cornwall and Elaine Paige launch the Big Trolley Push campaignCredit: The Sun

RV trolley volunteers Jill Hickman, 75, and John Stephens, 72, on duty at Frimley Park Hospital, Camberley, SurreyCredit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun

When Covid hit, the Royal Voluntary Service had to ax the service, which sells newspapers, magazines and toiletries to hospital patients.

Now that the pandemic is over, more than 600 volunteers are urgently needed across Britain.

West End legend Elaine Paige is backing the Big Trolley Push for more volunteers in wards.

Elaine was photographed driving a trolley around the wards of Leicester General Hospital with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the president of the RVS.

Elaine said: “Having been behind a hospital trolley myself and seen how the warm-hearted volunteers can lift the spirits of patients, I can only imagine how much they have been missed on the wards over the past two years.

“Now that trolley services are back, I urge people to see for themselves what a remarkable difference they can make to the well-being of someone who is likely going through a difficult time.

“Donating your time to support others is a wonderful thing.

“You don't need any special skills and you certainly don't need to sing in front of patients – like I did! Your time and compassion are enough to brighten anyone's day.”

Big-hearted Jill Hickman, 75, has been pushing the trolley around Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey, since 1982.

She was devastated when she was forced to give up in early 2020 when the first lockdown began.

Jill says: “That Monday night when they called and I realized we couldn't do it, I was so upset. It was horrible. I cried myself to sleep.”

Eight weeks ago, Jill was finally allowed to volunteer in the departments again.

She says: “It was great to be back. Having been there for so many years, it was like seeing old friends again.

“RVS volunteers have a huge impact on staff and patients who enjoy a bit of the outside world coming to them.”

Part-time accountant John Stephens, 71, from Yately, Hants, works with Jill four hours a week.

He says: “We visit 21 departments and it is really fun work. The patients look forward to having a chat.”