Special guests have praised long-serving Samaritans volunteers who have spent more than 200 years between them taking calls from vulnerable people in their time of need. 

Members of the charity's  Ipswich and East Suffolk branch poured into Portman Road on Monday night for its annual general meeting – but there was a surprise in store.  

David Sheepshanks, former Ipswich Town chairman and patron of the Samaritans, was in attendance. So too was Felicity Varah-Harding OBE, the daughter of the Samaritans founder, Chad Varah.  

Both of them were full of praise for the work of Ipswich Samaritans over the years, particularly those who have dedicated vast swathes of time to the Samaritans’ cause. 

Ipswich Star: Colin 299 has spent 21 years as a listener. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk SamaritansColin 299 has spent 21 years as a listener. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)Ipswich Star: Volunteer Alison has given 26 years service to the Samaritans. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans Volunteer Alison has given 26 years service to the Samaritans. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)Ipswich Star: John has been volunteering for the Samaritans for 30 years. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans John has been volunteering for the Samaritans for 30 years. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)Ipswich Star: Lydia has been volunteering for the Samaritans for 34 years. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans Lydia has been volunteering for the Samaritans for 34 years. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)

Five volunteers were presented with awards for their longstanding service. 

Each Samaritan never gives out their full name, but instead identifies themselves with a short numerical code.

Of those receiving awards, Colin 299 has spent 21 years as a listener. 

Meanwhile, Alison 282 has given 26 years. John 59 and Lydia 326 have given 30 years and 34 years respectively. 

However, the longest serving volunteer is Dave, who has spent a whopping 36 years taking calls from people in desperate need of support. 

Ipswich Star: Dave is the Ipswich Samaritans' longest serving volunteer, having spent 36 years taking calls from people in need. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk SamaritansDave is the Ipswich Samaritans' longest serving volunteer, having spent 36 years taking calls from people in need. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)Ipswich Star: Felicity Varah Harding and the Ipswich and East Suffolk branch director Anne Reeder cut a cake celebrating the branch's 60th birthday. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk SamaritansFelicity Varah Harding and the Ipswich and East Suffolk branch director Anne Reeder cut a cake celebrating the branch's 60th birthday. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)Ipswich Star: David Sheepshanks makes a speech at the Samaritans meeting on Monday. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk SamaritansDavid Sheepshanks makes a speech at the Samaritans meeting on Monday. Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans (Image: Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans)

Fiona 300 and Sally 350 were not able to be at the meeting but had racked up 28 years and 35 years' of service respectively. 

Mrs Varah-Harding explained that Ipswich was one of the first towns to embrace her father’s idea for a charity, which turned 70 this year.

The Ipswich and East Suffolk branch celebrates its 60th birthday this year, and is believed to have taken one million phone calls. 

Mr Sheepshanks praised the work of the Samaritans, who, he said, were working at the “sharp end” in supporting people struggling with their mental health. 

Josh Betts is the Ipswich branch's deputy director for marketing and has been a listening volunteer since 2019. 

He said: “Being in the presence of Felicity and having the honour to speak with her at our AGM to mark our 60th anniversary was truly awe-inspiring.”