Footballer praised by hospice for volunteer work

St Luke's Hospice has more than 600 active volunteers based in the South West

A former Plymouth Argyle footballer has been praised by a Devon charity for his volunteer work at a local hospice.

For five months, Finn Azaz - who spent a season and a half on loan at the Devon side - committed one day a week to St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth.

Before his move to Middlesbrough last month he helped support patients through their end-of-life care.

He said: "I felt I was really able to make a difference and do something with my Wednesdays off that was meaningful."

The attacking midfielder, 23, scored seven goals in 26 league appearances for Argyle

Mr Azaz said he wanted to help once he understood the hospice's role within the community.

"For St Luke's to provide the platform to do that was brilliant and everyone there was so welcoming," he said.

He said he instantly felt at home when volunteering: "Everyone was so nice about me joining, it did really feel like it was like a family."

During his time spent in the South West, he built a strong relationship with nurse Debbie Hutchinson.

Debbie Hutchinson and Finn Azaz would regularly conduct home visits together

Ms Hutchinson said: "The bond between me and Finn really developed because you're seeing people in their final transition.

"It was amazing, he's got a busy life but on Wednesday he was just Finn, he wasn't Finn Azaz the footballer."

She added: "He was not afraid to meet anyone, willing to have his pictures taken, but he didn't want any publicity - he was just incredible."

Ms Hutchinson continued: "Even when Finn left Plymouth, he still kept in touch to see how everyone was doing.

"The way Finn is, a championship footballer, he had no airs and graces at all, he's just a fantastic human being."