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Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

Explore the collection

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

When Steve Bench lost his wife to cancer, he wanted to do something to give back to the hospital that treated her. He has been volunteering with the Guild and running the trolley service that brought joy to his wife during her treatments for twenty years.

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Story: Steve Bench – London

League of Friends of Uckfield Community Hospital

In 1881 Richard Streatfield, Squire of Uckfield donated a house and grounds to the town to be used as a hospital and it continued to expand during the first half of the 20th century.

As Uckfield and its surroundings grew, the hospital required radical alterations to keep pace. The alterations were uneconomical and this led to Robert Manby forming the League of Friends to assist in providing equipment and improvements.

Organisation

Patty has been a consistent volunteer at Aspen Court Care Home for over a year. With a background in social work and service in Hong Kong, Patty continues to serve those around her as she dedicates her time to the residents of Aspen Court, while also expanding her own skills and experiences.

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Story: Patty Yiu – London

Anne moved to Basildon after her marriage, and began working at Basildon Hospital as a Ward Clerk, a job she loved, and stayed in for 14 years.

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Story: Anne Hare – Basildon, Essex

On retirement and after 25 years in Stourbridge, Phil and his wife made the move to Bridgnorth just over 4 years ago.

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Story: Phil Palfrey – Bridgnorth

League of Friends of Newport (Shropshire) Cottage Care Centre

Established in 1973 as a support group to the Cottage Hospital, and then to the Cottage Care Centre, the League of Friends of Newport Cottage Hospital is made up of members of the general public, with the goal to raise money for the care centre and the X-Ray unit.

Organisation