Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

Search the collection

12 results

Yvonne Frost and Carol Watson, St. Oswald’s Hospital League of Friends

Retired nurses, Yvonne Frost and Carol Watson, reflect on their years at St. Oswald’s Hospital, sharing memories of their care, community, and the close relationships they built with their patients. After retiring, they continue their involvement t...

Story: Carol Watson, Yvonne Frost - Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Robert Fox (Kath Fox), The League of Friends of Deeside Community Hospital

Following her death, Robert Fox talks about the life of his Mum, Kath. Robert tells of her early life as the daughter of a miner, and gives insights into both the challenges of that life, as well as Kath and her families determination to take adva...

Story: - Deeside

Don and Louise Wyman, Friends of King George Hospital

Volunteering to support their community began for the Wymans with the PTA at their childrens school. The League of Friends recognised their skills as fundraisers, and they were soon recruited to the newly formed group.Over 50 years later they are ...

Story: Don and Louise Wyman - Essex, Goodmayes

Peter Green, League of Hospital Friends Mansfield & Sutton 

With generations of the family coming from Mansfield, it seemed obvious to Peter that not only would he work locally, but that he would contribute to that community through his voluntary efforts. As early as the 1950’s, he began volunteering, and i...

Story: Peter Green - Nottinghamshire

Peter Cook & Julie Cook, Aphasia Re-Connect

Peter and Julie Cook describe a life where they have been interested in the people and communities around them. On retirement they both used their skills acquired in the business world to full effect to support local charities.Inspired by the challen...

Story: Julie Cook, Peter Cook - Bromley, Londonwide

Ann Davies MBE, Prestatyn Central Surgery Community League of Friends

Ann Davies first began fundraising for the League of  Friends before the formation of the NHS. She has given her time generously throughout her life to a variety of organisation including the Church, and local hospitals wherever she has lived. Sh...

Story: Ann Davies MBE - Prestatyn

Kathleen Fox MBE, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital

Her family, the community, and faith were hallmarks of Kath's life, and core to everything she did. As the eldest of six children caring was a natural part of every day life. It came as no surprise that nursing was her chosen career. Eventually...

Story: Kathleen Fox MBE - Deeside

A photo of Patricia Daniels OBE, the founder of Chester ChildbirthPatricia Daniels MBE, Chester Childbirth Appeal

Following a career which began in 1946 in nursing, and retiring as a Tutor Midwife, Pat looked for ways of supporting her beloved NHS. Following discussions with the hospital, and with the support of others she founded Chester Childbirth in 1991....

Story: Patricia Daniels MBE - Chester Cheshire

Irene Thompson, Friends of Barking Hospital

Irene first began volunteering at Barking Hospital in 1964, and since then it has been part of the everyday life for her and her family.  Irene’s biggest contribution was as the organiser of the hospital fete, which was well known in the Barking c...

Story: Irene Thompson - Barking, East London

Ann Wickham, Guild of St Bartholomew

When Ann’s husband became a doctor at Barts, it was part of the natural order that she become a member of the Guild. This was in the mid 1960’s and she has been involved constantly since then. While currently the President, over the years Ann ha...

Story: Ann Wickham - Central London

Fiona Aird, League of Friends of Middlesex Hospital

Lady Aird first began volunteering at the Middlesex Hospital when she came to London nearly 70 years ago. She initially joined as it was a hospital where a number of her family were involved. She began volunteering in the flower shop in the reception...

Story: Fiona Aird - London, Yeovil