A CHESTER Samaritan Friend will be among a select group of volunteers from the charity to present Prince Charles with a special 70th birthday gift at Buckingham Palace tomorrow.

Tuesday marks the 70th birthday party celebration of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and joining the celebrations will be Samaritan Friend Julia Lewis.

Julia joins other Samaritan volunteers from across the country at the event, which celebrates the work of the charities and organisations of which Prince Charles is patron.

Local businesswoman and Samaritan supporter Julia has been nominated to attend the celebration because of her tireless work raising funds to keep Chester & District branch open and offering the Samaritan 24/7 listening helpline.

Julia, who has been a Samaritans volunteer and Friend for more than seven years, is very excited to be part of the exclusive event.

She said: “I was surprised to be nominated but I’m looking forward to this unique opportunity and meeting other volunteers.”

Jane Howarth, a Samaritans volunteer, who is responsible for Samaritans in Chester & District Branch, said: “Julia is one of the kindest and most caring people you will ever meet and never fails to come up with some fantastic fundraising events that are both enjoyable and help us raise funds to keep the branch open.

"We are very lucky to have her in Chester branch.”

Over the years as patron, Prince Charles has met many Samaritans volunteers and supporters and enjoyed a cup of tea from a Samaritans mug as part of the charity’s 60th birthday celebrations in 2013.

Samaritans volunteers will be presenting Prince Charles with a personalised photo gift which aims to represent the number of calls for help Samaritans has answered since he became patron.

Over the 19 years as patron, Samaritans has responded to approximately 96.8 million calls for help.