From cleaning on the ward to polishing his award, Hospiscare housekeeper is in shock over surprise presentation. Arthur Cristales received the Community Award from Devon High Sheriff, Caroline Harlow, in a surprise ceremony on Wednesday 9 April.
In her role as High Sheriff, Caroline has the opportunity to bestow a small number of awards throughout the year to those who have made a significant impact on their local community. Arthur is the first person to be honoured in 2025.
Arthur recently celebrated 20 years of working for Hospiscare, the local hospice charity for Exeter, central and east Devon. In his time at the charity, he has made a difference to countless patients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers with his ever-present smile and sensitive nature.
After hearing about the difference Arthur makes, going above and beyond his role, Caroline contacted Arthur’s manager and together, a top-secret award presentation was arranged.
Sharon Ewart, Estates Manager at Hospiscare, explains “I invited Arthur to a made-up meeting to ensure he was in the right place at the right time. When Caroline appeared, his reaction was priceless!
“Arthur is best known for his lovely smile and empathetic nature that he exudes to all patients, visitors and staff. He leaves a lasting impression, with his name regularly mentioned in thank you cards and letters from patients and their families, as well as feedback forms from our visitors.”
Arthur says, “My family are so happy and proud of me. I’m proud of myself as well. I can’t believe it – it’s a once in a lifetime achievement. This is my 20th year working at Hospiscare, so it feels truly special.
“I don’t expect to make a difference, but I always try. I laugh with the patients and when they say things like ‘it’s nice to see you in the morning’ or ‘you make my day; you make my spirit lift’ it does make all the difference.”
Sharon concludes, “Arthur is very much loved and respected amongst his colleagues for his kindness and generosity. I recently had the pleasure of receiving this feedback from a patient`s family: `Everyone we have had contact with is special, but there is just something about Arthur that is a little bit of stardust.’”
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Hospiscare is a local charity providing specialist care for adults with a terminal illness and their families in Exeter, central and east Devon. With just 24% of the charity’s funding coming from the NHS, Hospiscare relies upon donations from the public to provide expert end-of-life care in the local community.
Hospiscare has four sites: Searle House in Exeter, which has an eight-bed ward, Kings House in Honiton, Holly Tree Place in Tiverton and High View in Exmouth, which provide outpatient services. The charity also provides care in patients’ homes and community settings, with nursing teams located across the region.
Hospiscare is also dedicated to providing supportive care for the friends and family of their patients.
The care that Hospiscare provides is funded by donations and incurs no cost for their patients and families. To find out more about Hospiscare, including fundraising events and Hospiscare stories, visit the website.
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