British Red Cross volunteer retires after 50 years

An "inspiring and dedicated" volunteer has retired from the British Red Cross after 50 years of service.

Steve Bradley first signed up as a cadet in 1974, aged just 11.

The now 62-year-old, from Whiston on Merseyside, has supported countless people ever since, including in the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Steve even met his wife Jayne while volunteering - she only retired from the British Red Cross last year after clocking up 40 years.

Steve said he had "enjoyed helping people" and would really miss being a Red Cross volunteer.

But he said: "We have three kids, all grown-up, and we just bought a new house to down-size. It's time to have a slightly easier life."

After serving as a cadet, Steve said he joined the adult group "when I was old enough to drive".

"We used to meet on Wednesday, see what jobs needed doing and put our name down for what we were free for.

"That might be first aid at the local school, the fireworks display or town show. Or you might be driving someone to a hospital appointment."

Steve has most recently been volunteering for the organisation's emergency response team, which began in 2000.

He helped prepare vehicles for deployment following the Manchester Arena bombings, ensuring families had a safe place to receive support in the aftermath of the tragedy in which 22 people died and hundreds were injured.

During the pandemic, Steve also helped to deliver medicine and food throughout the region.

He said it was a "close team", adding: "I’ll definitely miss going to the monthly meetings and going out on jobs."

Steve said he and Jayne "just kept bumping into each other and then worked together a lot" before falling in love and getting married in 1991.

Encouraging future volunteers, he said: "Make everyone smile and be happy and you'll make a great Red Cross volunteer."

Beatrice Butsana-Sita, British Red Cross's chief executive, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Steve for his long and dedicated service.

"His commitment to supporting people in crisis over the past 50 years is an inspiration and will have made a real difference to countless people across the UK."

Steve's emergency response line manager Gale Hodson added: "I cannot thank Steve enough for all of the support he has given me in my role and for all of the encouragement and support he has given to his peers."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected] and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.