Prime Minister’s award for hospice volunteer

A Saint Catherine’s Hospice volunteer is celebrating after being commended by the Prime Minister after a decade of service.
St Catherine's Hospice volunteer hairdresser John LangleySt Catherine's Hospice volunteer hairdresser John Langley
St Catherine's Hospice volunteer hairdresser John Langley

John Langley, an 80-year-old hairdresser from Bridlington, has been trimming and styling hair at the hospice in Scarborough since his retirement in 2005.

He is the latest recipient of the Prime Minister’s Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

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“John is a credit to his profession,” said Prime Minister David Cameron.

“I’m delighted to name him a Point of Light in recognition of his decade of service, using his hairdressing skills to give patients at St Catherine’s Hospice dignity and comfort at the end of their lives.”

During the 10 years he has volunteered at St Catherine’s, which provides specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses, John has donated many hours of his time to providing hundreds of haircuts and scores of shampoo and sets to patients from across Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale, Bridlington and Driffield.

John started out at Auty’s salon in Leeds in 1955, following a three-year stint as a soldier in the Royal Engineers.

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He went on to set up his own salon in Bridlington’s South Marine Drive, naming it Langley Hair Fashions in 1961.

When comedian Les Dawson came to Bridlington for a summer season in the 1980s, he called in for a cut. But despite this celebrity encounter it has always been his local clients who hold a special place in John’s heart.

Upon receiving the award, John said:“After 50 years in hairdressing, the opportunity came along for me to continue cutting hair, while also doing a good deed for local people in my community.

“I jumped at the chance to get involved and still thoroughly enjoy giving all the patients at the hospice star treatment. I’m amazed that my work has been recognised and delighted to have been chosen for a Points of Light.”

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Greg Knight MP added: “I am delighted that John’s generosity and hard work has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

“He has dedicated so many years to helping vulnerable and often very ill people in their last moments. His work is an inspiration to us all.”