For 40 years, Sheila Mills has worked tirelessly to support the Friends of All Hallows Hospital in Ditchingham.

And now Mrs Mills, 73, one of the founding members of the Friends, has decided to stand down after four decades as treasurer - banking over £1m raised by the group.

She was specially thanked in a celebration in her honour held at All Hallows on Wednesday, where she was presented with a photo album and card.

Chief executive of the hospital Howard Green said in his speech: “The fact that the Friends keep on fundraising for us, coming up with little bits and pieces, and large bits and pieces, is a real benefit not only to the patients, but also to the staff.

“It happens because of the selfless giving up of time and expertise.

“Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou for all you have done over a long period of time.”

Mrs Mills initially became involved with the Friends because she wanted to give something back to the hospital.

Her mother died there in 1973, and when the Friends was formed a few years later, she jumped at the chance to offer her support.

She took on the role of treasurer as she used to be a bank manager’s secretary, a position she had no idea she would then go on to hold for four decades.

“I’m sorry to leave it,” she said. “The hospital has done wonderful work over the years, they’ve looked after so many people that I know.

“I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve met some great people and they have been wonderful.”

Mrs Mills said she won’t be leaving the hospital completely though, and was still keen to help out in anyway she could in the future.

Over the years the Friends have held garden parties, bazaars, musical evenings, raffles and taken donations and legacies.

They have paid for the Day Treatment and Therapy Centre, built in 2004 from a legacy left to the Friends as well as three rooms at the hospital and a special garden, along with smaller items for the hospital from dishwashers to chairs and mattresses.

Do you know a remarkable volunteer in the community? Email the details to polly.grice@archant.co.uk or call 01502 715674 to speak to a reporter.