A former patient at a Christchurch hospital has just celebrated his 20th year volunteering in the mailroom.
Seventy-three-year-old Michael Turner, who has cerebral palsy, spent a long time at Burwood Hospital recovering from a serious fall. His two decades of service are the way he's chosen to thank the staff for the care he received.
"Burwood's given me a lot of help. I got this [electric wheelchair], got a walking frame, physio. It's my way of giving back," he said.
Turner reports for duty at 7am three days a week to assist Lance Tredinnick by delivering mail throughout the wards.
"He's invaluable. Everybody else is jealous that I've got Michael... he's a work perk for me for sure. He's amazing," Tredinnick said.
When he first started volunteering, Turner used a walking frame before switching to his wheelchair. He planned to keep going for at least another decade.
Nursing director Jo Townsend, who has known Turner from the very beginning, says "people like Michael stand out".
"He is probably far more reliable than some staff, I would go so far as saying," she said.
Every December, Turner dresses as Santa to bring some Christmas cheer to his rounds, and every year they gift him a T-shirt with #1 Mailman printed across the front.
"It's something to live up to," Turner said.
As he delivers letters, he's greeted warmly, often exchanging banter with those he's known over the decades.
"He's often telling each of the charge nurses they're his favourite charge nurse and they're the best charge nurse and we found out recently he tells all of us the same thing," deputy nursing director Caroline McCulloch said.
His dedication was recognised during Volunteer Week, with volunteer coordinator Susie Cox calling Turner "part of the fabric of the hospital".
She added: "Thanks to Michael. He's done so much for us."
Turner returned the sentiment, describing the staff at Burwood as family.
"They're great, not a boss – more a mate. I want to thank them all. It's been a great 20 years."
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