Slough covid volunteer hailed for more than 1,000 hours of service

Ramdane Haddadi, 47, of Slough, is known to have dedicated the most amount of time in helping out with the covid vaccinations at Salt Hill Activity Centre.

And last Wednesday, February 23, he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Mayor of Slough, Councillor Mohammed Nazir for his efforts in the community.

Mr Haddadi was already helping out at the Brett Foundation, in Maidenhead, and Wexham Park Hospital, before starting at the vaccination centre in January 2021.

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The chef, who also has a regular job at Thames Hospice, in Bray, volunteered around 10 hours a day in his first few months at Salt Hill last year.

And today, he’s still doing stewarding shifts up to five days a week.

Mr Haddadi, who speaks four languages including Arabic and French, said: “I was on furlough for a year with my previous job, doing nothing, and I just wanted to help. 

“Back in Algeria, I was always going to my father’s village and helping out the older people with their shopping and things.

He explained he lives close to the vaccination centre and how everyone there is very nice.

He said: “I meet new people every day and I’ve made a lot of friends, we laugh together.” 

Ramdane Haddadi was presented with the certificate for completing 1,000 hours of service. Picture: Slough CVS

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And Mr Haddadi’s service to the NHS seems to run in the family with his twin brother Karim working as a security guard at Wexham Park Hospital. 

Slough CVS’ volunteer coordinator Qudsia Rahim said: “There aren’t the words to describe Ramdane’s tireless efforts.  

“He’s a shining example of someone who’s given their all for their community during a stressful time for everyone, and we can’t thank him enough.” 

Visit One Slough if you’d like to volunteer.