Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
15 results
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. She retired at 60 due to health issues, and having been staff for many years, knew about the Friends throu...
On retirement and after 25 years in Stourbridge, Phil and his wife made the move to Bridgnorth just over 4 years ago. Phil started his career as a trained engineer before moving on to product design and project management. While not having volunte...
Margaret and Jean met as dinner ladies at the local school. They have been best of friends ever since. They got involved with the Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends after leaving work. They talk about their time pushing trolleys around the wards w...
Julia Davies started her career as a nurse at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. In her 30s, she moved over to Bridgnorth Hospital as a Senior Enrolled Nurse. From there, the moved to another hospital and eventually ended up teaching at Staffs University.As ...
Michael Greenhow, Basildon Hospital and Community League of FriendsMichaels career began in electrical retail, where he managed shops for many years. Unfortunately his wife suffered a serious stroke and he became her carer for several years. It was after his wife passed away that Michael felt the need to give someth...
Julie and husband Phil moved to Bridgnorth just over 4 years ago, and after renovating their home, Julie felt the need to integrate into their new community, and meet people as well as give something back. She began volunteering as a church stewar...
Linda originally became involved with the hospital following plans to close cottage hospitals in the area. Having experienced the care that the hospital provided to her close family members she realised this would be detrimental to the local communit...
Catherine Rogerson, Amman Valley Hospital League of FriendsCatherine Rogerson, a dedicated member of the Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends, shares her journey of returning to her home town after a career in research in Palaeobotany and teaching. Inspired by a local newspaper ad, she joined the League...
Barbara Wren, Brentwood Community Hospital League of FriendsBarbara started her career as a bursar at a local school. During her time there she found herself going above and beyond for the students. She took that work ethic with her to the Highwood Hospital and then to the Brentwood Community Hospital.She use...
Marion Faunch, The Burton Hospitals League of FriendsMarion is very grateful for the help she has had over the years from a variety of hospitals across the country. On retirement, she saw this as her opportunity to 'give back', to say thank you to the NHS for everything it had done for her.Volunteer...
Irene Ireland, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalWhen her father died at the local hospital, Irene wanted to give back and the family donated funds for a piece of equipment. This led to her becoming actively involved in the League of Friends, which continues to this day.She happily moved from su...
Merfyn Tomos, Glan Clwyd League of FriendsIn this interview, Merfyn Tomos, a 71-year old volunteer, discusses his involvement with the League of Friends of Glan Clwyd. He began volunteering after semi-retirement to give back to the NHS, inspired by his daughter's care experience. Merfyn volu...
Jayne Vaughan, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital Following twelve months in hospital, and a significant rehabilitation programme, Jayne moved from Bolton to be near her sister. Her warmth and enthusiasm for the difference the volunteering has made to her life tumbles out of her. She can't ...
Janessa Rhys-Jones, The Together Project (Songs & Smiles)Janessa Rhys-Jones, 35, is a volunteer with the Songs & Smiles program of The Together Project at the One Tower Bridge Road Care Home, assisting with music sessions uniting older and younger generations.Initially attending as a participant with h...
Rosie Durham, Friends of One Tower Bridge RoadRosie Durham has always had a passion for working with intergenerational charities. Rosie was drawn to working with older people, particularly those in care homes, and began by volunteering weekly, engaging residents through activities like manicures...