Meet the octogenarian who has spent 35,000 hours looking after other OAPs

When Clive Isles’ mother was cared for at a Bristol nursing home, little did he think he’d find a new role in life.

Clive first got involved at Brunelcare’s Deerhurst care home in Soundwell when his mum moved there in 1988.

After his mother died Clive, who used to work in Bristol’s Royal Mail sorting office, decided to become a volunteer.

And now, 18 years later, at the age of 83, he has clocked up an incredible 35,000 hours of service.

Clive volunteers from Monday to Friday, carrying out a number of tasks.

He said: “Mum was here for 20 months and I used to visit three times a week.

“There were volunteers at the home and I got to know them.

“When mum died I was in a position to help and decided to volunteer.”

Clive, from Longwell Green, uses his skills which he honed working for the Royal Mail, helping out on the administration side, answering the phone, filing and delivering items to residents and supplies around the home.

“I feel that what I do helps to take the pressure off the staff and gives them more time to concentrate on the more important aspects of what they do, he said.

“I started off part time but now I am here pretty much full time.

“I spent over 35-years working in the Royal Mail sorting office so I’m used to being organised and being around lots of people.”

 “It’s a volunteering role but I do get a nice dinner every day.”

Clive also shows visitors around the home and helps out in the kitchen.

“I live alone and I like having the company,” he said.

“I like to feel I am doing something useful and it keeps me occupied.

“I think I get far more out of it than I put in and I have met some lovely new friends.”

The Bristol based charity provides housing, care and support for elderly people across the area and cares for more than 60 residents at Deerhurst.

Alongside being a dedicated volunteer for Brunelcare, Clive is also a qualified pilot, gaining his piloting license when he was 70-years-old.

He has also won the Unpaid Carers Awards at the Great British Care Awards 2018 and has recently received a certificate of recognition for his long standing service at Deerhurst.

Deerhurst has a large group of volunteers, including others who have given over 20yrs with Deerhurst with the oldest being 88 years-old.

Volunteers Michael Evans, Jenny Evans, Joan Frampton and Jean McCall are all nominated for the Volunteer Award at the Care and Support West Awards 2019. 

Care home manager Lesley Hobbs said: “Life at Deerhurst wouldn’t be the same without any of our volunteers.

“Clive brings such a positive atmosphere to the office and the entire care home.

“Things always seem to run a lot smoother with Clive around.

“He’s built some great relationships with the residents and their families and he’s definitely very popular at Deerhurst.

“We really appreciate all of his help. He’s been and will continue to be an absolute star.”

In his spare time Clive enjoys tending to his garden, going for walks and meeting friends for coffee.

He also enjoys visiting Bristol Flying Club for a cup of tea and watching the planes come in.

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