I can’t remember exactly how many years I’ve volunteered at Trinity Hospice for but it must be well over twenty. My role is affectionately known as a ‘trolley dolly’ and every Monday morning I serve drinks and chat to patients and their relatives on the In-patient Unit.
I was inspired to volunteer at the Hospice following the death of my eldest sister. She died of ovarian cancer in 1991. She spent two weeks in the hospice in York and although she didn’t die there I remember there being a lovely atmosphere. We had discussed lots of things including me volunteering.
When I returned home I mentioned our conversation to my manager who offered to write me a reference. The rest is history; I have volunteered ever since and love it!
Some of my friends have asked me ‘is it not a sad place?’ I reply, ‘some people are very poorly and yes there are some sad times but there is lots of laughter too’.
I find my role exceptionally rewarding, volunteering is my way of giving something back to the community and I will continue to volunteer for as long as I possibly can. I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering here at Trinity to ‘go for it, if you don’t like it you don’t have to carry on, but I am sure you will!’