Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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Search below, or explore our curated albums to discover stories with common themes.

Volunteer spotlight – A Lifetime of Service: A Tribute to Ann Wickham

News – 12 Jan 2026

It’s just an absolute delight to be part of it, and to be a Friend of Amarna House. It gives me great pleasure every year. Introducing students from my school to the care home, and seeing the pleasure, and anticipation of them each time we visit is amazing.

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Story: Patrick Tasker – York

Bridget started volunteering very early on when she accompanied her Mum to Church, where they arranged flowers, handed out hymn books and mended curtains. As she got older she took on these and other tasks within the church and continued throughout her own children’s younger years.

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Story: Bridget Foley – London

Aphasia Re-Connect

Aphasia Re-Connect is a national charity with the primary aim of connecting people who suffered a stroke and now experience aphasia, via a variety of support groups.

The group was founded in 2017 by Sally McVicker, a qualified speech and language therapist, who was motivated by the large number of people who expresses the need for communication support in the longer term.

Organisation

Steve is a Christian minister in the City of York, and his wife, Pauline, is a secondary school teacher. Steve is the Chairman of the Friends of Amarna House, and the cancer charity Candlelighters, and they have both been involved in the community for over 20 years.

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Story: Stephen and Pauline Redman – York

The Burton Hospitals League of Friends

The Burton Hospitals League of Friends is an organisation which helps support Queen’s Hospital with extras and essentials.

Organisation