Pride of Australia Medal 2015: Children’s hospital volunteer finalist in Care and Compassion category

GREAT-grandmother Joan Cottrell is part of the furniture at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where she has lovingly donated her time to sick children for the past 20 years.

GREAT-grandmother Joan Cottrell is part of the furniture at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where she has lovingly donated her time to sick children for the past 20 years.

The 85-year-old has been sewing and knitting for young patients since the hospital first opened its doors, now selling her wares every week to fundraise for the organisation so close to her heart.

“I have healthy children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which is why I put so much effort into the hospital,” Ms Cottrell, a Care and Compassion finalist in this year’s Pride of Australia Awards, proudly supported by ClubsNSW, said.

“When you go in there and see the children who have problems, well you realise how lucky you are.”

She said she first approached the hospital 20 years ago in September, and made all the bassinet surrounds for the children’s wards – some of which are still in use.

“I’ve had to replace some in ICU but there are still some of them around – there are bits of me all around the hospital,” she said.

“I also helped Parramatta Hospital for 15 years before they closed - I don’t think I’ve said no when they’ve asked me to do things.

“I just feel like I am a big part of the original thing.”

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When injured youngster Sophie Delezio first had her accident, Ms Cottrell made her medical clothing, a generous trait first sparked by helping her mum sell lemonade and cookies for the Red Cross when she was just 10-years-old.

“When you go in there and see the children who have problems, well you realise how lucky you are.”

All these years later she gets around on a walker, so prefers to sit behind her table in the foyer selling raffles to raise much-needed funds.

“My brain is still working but my body is not, so it’s a case of do what I can for them,” Ms Cottrell said.

“I was a bit embarrassed about being nominated as I didn’t know anything about it – but if it can help the hospital, I’m happy.

“All the volunteers do a wonderful job and Sophie Delezio is my inspiration – look at all she has been able to do.

“I love sewing I relax when I’m doing it, so I am happy to help in that way.”

Ms Cottrell is one of three NSW finalists in the Care and Compassion Medal, the winner of which will be announced at a gala awards day in Sydney on Thursday, September 10, and is also up for the People’s Choice Medal, as voted by you.

The Sunday Telegraph readers have until today to vote for their favourite finalist in any category until September 6, the winner of which will receive a $5000 cash prize.

To vote, visit dailytelegraph.com.au/news/pride-of-australia/vote-nsw