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Beryl Carr gives four hours of her time a week to work as a cashier and has done so since 2003. The grandmother of one, who has become a popular figure with staff and patients alike, said: “I can’t think of anything worse than spending all day in front of the television.

“Volunteering has helped me keep active and I really look forward to coming in every week.”

Beryl is known for her smile, endless energy and generosity at the Friends’ Cafe in Ealing Hospital, West London. 

The “friendship and camaraderie” are her main reasons for staying on, but she also loves the feeling that she’s helping others.

She added: “I feel I’m doing something worthwhile and it’s nice to chat with people.”

The pandemic was a double blow, because the cafe shut and Beryl had to shield because she is vulnerable.

She said: “It was very hard, and I missed it terribly. Lockdown was a very lonely time for me as I live on my own. It was a great relief to come back here and see everyone again.”

Staff threw Beryl a party at the café to mark her 100th birthday last month. Ann Cousins, manager of the Friends’ Cafe, said: “She is a delight.

When she is here, people flock to come and see her. She really is famous in the hospital.”

Gifty Colman, assistant manager of the charity cafe, said: “She is simply amazing. Nobody has to ask her to do anything.When she sees something that needs doing, she does it. We could do with more like Beryl.”

The Friends’ Cafe has around 30 volunteers on a regular basis, cut from 70 due to the pandemic.

Like every centenarian, Beryl received her much-anticipated birthday card from the Queen, which arrived on time on the big day itself.

Speaking of the moment the postman handed it to her, she said: “I knew it was coming, but it was still a surprise. It’s just lovely.”

Beryl is independent, but daughter Val, 71, shops for her. She said: “Volunteering gave mum a lifeline when she needed it most.”

William, Beryl’s husband of 60 years, died in 2003.

Beryl added: “My daughter suggested volunteering. It was the best thing I could have done.”

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