A Kingston Hospital volunteer pops in for a chat and a cup of tea with patients at a cancer ward every week in memory of her husband.

Grandmother Maureen Wilkins, 75, went along to the haematology day unit when her husband of more than 50 years, Bob, received chemotherapy treatment for 18 months before he lost his battle with the illness in August 2012.

But the following year, the mother-of-one, of Chestnut Grove in New Malden, decided to resume her weekly trips to the unit and has settled into life there as a helper.

She said: “I thought I might find it difficult.

“There are people that were there with him. But it is actually quite a happy place.

“I’m just trying to give something back because they were so good to Bob.

“I went back because of him. I do it for Bob.”

Mrs Wilkins helps to take lunch orders, makes cups of tea and provides comfort to those receiving treatment or in need of a friend.

She said: “You can’t show how you’re feeling – you just get on with it.

“But I know how they feel because I have been through it. I understand them.”

In her spare time Mrs Wilkins enjoys gardening and is a member of the Malden’s and Coombe Heritage Society.

She also throws a yearly garden party for neighbours and friends.

Lesley Chamberline, lead chemotology clinical nurse specialist at the unit, said: “We know Maureen very well. She is just so kind and considerate. She knows what it’s like to be there as a patient and a carer.

“She has a great listening ear. She can pick up when people are upset and has a word with them.

“She is brilliant and I think she enjoys it. I think it gives her a sense of purpose.”

On being nominated an unsung hero Mrs Wilkins said: “I don’t know how I feel. It is lovely – the patients will all have a good laugh.”

l Do you know an unsung hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6313 or send an email to jon.sharman@ london.newsquest.co.uk.