function loadGrids() { siteResponsive.loadArticlePanels(); } function loadFlourish(){ var flourish = $(“.flourish”); if(flourish.length){ console.log(“load flourish embed”); $.getScript(“https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js”, function(){ }); } } function agatePremiumContentRendered() { siteResponsive.refreshFeatures(); $(“.freePreviewFade”).detach(); twttr.widgets.load(); loadGrids(); loadFlourish(); } $(document).ready(function() { loadGrids(); });

King’s Lynn man celebrates 30 years of volunteering with British Red Cross

By Sue Irving

–

sue@yourlocalpaper.co.uk

Published: 13:47, 05 December 2025

A long-serving helper has marked a volunteering milestone with a mobility aids team.

Christopher Manning, of Lynn, who didn’t want to “waste his life” and wanted to do something to help others, has now celebrated 30 years of volunteering with the British Red Cross Mobility Aids Team based at Nelson House on the North Lynn Industrial Estate.

He started his career back in 1995 at Austin Fields on a work placement with a caretaker who saw his kindness and potential and signposted him to the British Red Cross.

Long-serving volunteer Christopher Manning receives his certificate from Cally Smith and is pictured with the Lynn Mobility Aids Team of Adebimpe Zainab Animawun, Arshia Usman, Denis Flavin, Alan Syles and Jenny RobinsonLong-serving volunteer Christopher Manning receives his certificate from Cally Smith and is pictured with the Lynn Mobility Aids Team of Adebimpe Zainab Animawun, Arshia Usman, Denis Flavin, Alan Syles and Jenny Robinson
Long-serving volunteer Christopher Manning receives his certificate from Cally Smith and is pictured with the Lynn Mobility Aids Team of Adebimpe Zainab Animawun, Arshia Usman, Denis Flavin, Alan Syles and Jenny Robinson

Christopher said: “Growing up I was always made to feel useless, and I did not want to waste my life when I knew I could do something to help people in just some small way.”

The Mobility Aids Service supports any individual over the age of five with the short-term loan of wheelchairs and mobility equipment and has become a vital service for the town and surrounding community.

A spokesperson for the service across Norfolk and Waveney said it has helped those awaiting wheelchair service referrals, people requiring aftercare following operations and has even come to the aid of holidaymakers visiting the area and children who have got into scrapes after falling from bicycles and trampolines.

To mark his milestone, Christopher was presented with a long-service certificate by service manager Cally Smith and enjoyed a celebration meal with the team.

Speaking about his achievement, Cally said: “Christopher is amazing, our team absolutely love him and we are so lucky to be supported by such super volunteers to keep our service operational.

“Our office is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm and I am so thankful to all of those who donate their time so generously to keep us running.”

She added: “If anyone would like to become a Customer Service Volunteer, we do have space available – even if just for three hours a week as opposed to 30 years! A huge thank you once again to Christopher for all he has done for British Red Cross and the local community too.”

Anyone who would like to find out about how the team could support them is urged to call 01553 766969.

Human Interest Kings Lynn Sue Irving

_pluginManager.setTargetValue(“articleID”, “9444715”);

Source: www.lynnnews.co.uk