Now Barry Evans, who travels from Lytham St Annes every week to entertain patients at North Manchester General Hospital, has been recognised at the recent North West Health and Social Care Awards.
Talented pianist and organist, Barry was one of five joint runners-up for the Hidden Stars Award – a category backed by Granada Reports, which filmed him in action at the hospital prior to the presentation ceremony at Bolton's Reebok Stadium.
Carrying his faithful keyboard, Barry, 64, visits the hospital every Monday to bring music to various wards.
He travels by train and bus, a journey which takes him about two hours. Remarkably, he has been making the trip for the last 26 years.
His connection with North Manchester goes back to 1964 when he started work as a postal clerk in the general office. He later became a printing assistant.
Barry left in 1982 and moved here, but he maintained his links with the hospital as a volunteer.
He plays a wide range of music – from classical to light entertainment – to suit his audience.
He said: "I get a lot of satisfaction from it. The music helps to break the monotony of the ward and makes a change for the patients. I don't mind the travelling. It does me good and sets me up for the week."
He is also a volunteer at St Matthew's Drop-in Centre in Crumpsall, as well as at Clifton Hospital and Lytham Hospital.
Mary Sunderland, volunteer co-ordinator at Pennine Acute Trust, which runs North Manchester General Hospital, said: "We are delighted that Barry, who is one of our many volunteers, has been recognised as one of the region's unsung heroes."