Volunteering has enriched my life

My first year as a volunteer has been amazing and added so much to my life.  I feel part of a warm, safe and supportive team who truly value my time. 

My first contact with Saint Francis Hospice was in March 2019 when my husband spent his last 10 days being cared, for on the ward. Although it was more than that, they cared for me too.   

Charlie was a social butterfly, and being in the hospice and out of pain gave him the opportunity to spend the last part of his life being visited by his many friends and family and have fun and a laugh with them. They gave me back my husband for a while. 

I wanted to give back

I knew in my heart that one day I wanted to give back to the hospice but I didn’t know how or when.  My work as a Psychotherapist but I wanted to do something different. I was unsure how much time I could commit or what I could do.  I imagined that my choices would either be working within the hospice which I was reluctant to do or working in one of the shops which meant a regular commitment. 

Four years later, by chance, I looked at the volunteers' page on the Saint Francis Hospice website and saw the position of an Events Volunteer.  The more I read, the more I thought, this could be for me.   

Becoming an events volunteer

A year later and I have just attended my 2nd London Marathon and the Brentwood Half Marathon in Brentwood - this was also my first event last year, greeting runners and helping marshal the car park.  

During the year, I have attended the London Marathon and Ride London events, generally cheerleading and handing out water and snacks.  I have also run a stall at Go Orange Day, collected donations at Marks & Spencer and the London Stadium and helped at the Light Up a Life services. 

I even ran my own event, taking part in the Labyrinth Challenge - a series of inflatables to climb over and under, and persuaded other family members and friends to do it too.  Between us, we raised £1,500 for the Hospice. 

I've loved every event I have attended

I have loved every event I have attended, each for different reasons.  Whether it be donning an orange wig and shouting words of encouragement to our runners or riders, taking the time to share a few words with donors whilst collecting, having banter with football supporters or being a comforting presence at a church service, I love it. 

I never feel pressured to attend an event, if I have the time the Fundraising Team is grateful. If I don’t, that’s okay too. 

I have met some lovely volunteers and staff, all very different.  I am quite outgoing, and others are very quiet, but we all have our role to play and it’s a lovely mix. 

Thank you Saint Francis for giving me this opportunity it has enriched my life.