Hospice News

Volunteer Stories

This Volunteers' Week we're sharing stories from some of our fantastic volunteers. Here, Dave shares his experience of volunteering with us. 

"I love volunteering – it's my therapy,' says Dave. 'Patients say 'thank you very much' when I drive them, but I say: 'no, thank you very much'."

Dave applied to become a volunteer driver last year after he saw a Facebook advert. He was familiar with the Hospice as his wife of 25 years, Sheena, was cared for by us when she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Dave says: "I always wanted to give something but needed some time. I think it was good to have a gap because I'd have been too emotional. Now if I see a photo of Sheena, I don't feel sad, I smile and remember her.

"We have a Friday crew of volunteer drivers. We all meet up and moan about the roads. It's good camaraderie and we all have a laugh. Every two months we have a coffee morning with the coordinators and can talk over any gripes. We all get to know our regular patients very well and become protective of them.

"I had a lovely trip out the other day with a lady whose wish was to go to a country hotel with her family. That was planned through the Hospice, and it was a privilege to take her and her family to this lovely, secluded farmhouse. She had 24 guests there to say her goodbyes.

"Everyone at the Hospice is so fantastic and high on life. That's the environment and it did so much for me and Sheena that I want to give the same back. Patients often ask why I'm volunteering, and I love to share my story. The patients I drive can relate to me and I can relate to them. My bereavement journey is still going and they're helping me through it. The patients don't seem to be on a downer either, which massively surprised me. I take them out to the Gardening Club and it could be their only day out, but they're happy.

"Marc, my Volunteer Coordinator always says to me not to say I'm 'just' a volunteer, because I'm not. I'm part of the Hospice. As a volunteer we're very respected – I feel seen." 

Volunteer at the Hospice