Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
25 results
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...
Peter and Mary Jones, Friends of Avery PlacePeter and Mary Jones reflect on their lifelong commitment to volunteering, both through their church and in their wider community. Mary, a trained pediatrician and retired general practitioner, and Peter, a minister in the Church of England, have spe...
Kevin Madge, Amman Valley Hospital League of FriendsKevin has been an active part of the community since he was 18 years old. He talks about his involvement with the Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends as well as his career full of public service.He is currently the Chair of Carmarthenshire County...
Dave and Christine, volunteers at the Brentwood Community Hospital League of Friends, have been involved for about six months, after years of using the hospital as patients. Both have extensive experience in people-centred careers, including bus driv...
Amanda Berry, Friends of Birchwood GrangeAmanda, a retired nurse and dedicated volunteer, shares her journey from Canada to the UK, her nursing career, and how a life altering stroke in 2020 reshaped her path. After losing her ability to work, Amanda found renewed purpose through volunteeri...
Arlene Dhalla, Friends of LarchwoodArlene started working at 15 as an accounting assistant, and never really stopped her career until she retired in 1995. She never thought about volunteering before her mother was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's and had to go into a care home....
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...
Matthew Swan BEM, Friends of LarchwoodMatthew first got involved with Attend over twenty years ago, and also serves as the Treasurer for Friends of Larchwood. He was awarded a BEM in 2020 for his contributions to local charities.Matthew has worked in banking for over 41 years and has thr...
Friends of York HospitalsThe Friends of York Hospitals works closely with the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. They volunteer in the hospital to help improve the quality of life of patients. They work to support York Hospital and two small ...
Friends of LarchwoodFriends of Larchwood aim to relieve the social isolation of the elderly in Larchwood by providing equipment, facilities, activities and services over and above those provided for the residents, particularly with a view to helping residents of the car...
Sue Francis, Ellesmere Community Care Centre League of FriendsSue Francis, an 81 year old volunteer, discusses her involvement with the Ellesmere League of Friends, which began after the loss of her husband in 2002. Initially supporting a nursing home, the group transitioned into running a successful charity sh...
Jennifer Hughes, League of Friends of Prince Philip Hospital Jennifer describes a lifetime of living, working, and volunteering for her local community. An invite to a strawberry tea got her involved initially in the League of Friends, she has taken responsibility as a committee member, Chair and Secretary,...
Kate Owen, Glan Clwyd League of FriendsVolunteering actively became part of Kate's life when she was 16. It was foundational to her career as a nurse. Working in both England and Wales, Kate was able to see first hand, the difference a Friends Group can make in a hospital.Now retired, ...
Pauline Spratt, Burton Hospital League of FriendsPauline Spratt reflects on her 40-year commitment to volunteering with Burton Hospital League of Friends. Inspired by a lifelong interest in nursing, Pauline joined the League in her late 30s, organising community fundraising events such as fun runs,...
Ian Maine, Avenue Child Contact CentreHaving used similar services years ago, even gives a unique insight into the value of a child contact centre, and how important it can be to reassure parents and children both during the visit, but also in maintaining the health of the longer term re...
In 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...
Wrexham Hospital League of FriendsThe Wrexham Hospital League of Friends was founded in 1968 by a group of public-spirited individuals from various local organisations, the Friends aims to raise funds for purchasing essential, often specialised equipment when hospital budge...
Glan Clwyd League of FriendsGlan Clwyd League of Friends, also known as the Urdd Cyfeillion Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting patients, staff, and the overall operations of Glan Clwyd Hospital. Founded in 1974 by a group of farmer...
James Hodgson, The League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury HospitalJames Hodgson has been involved with the League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for nearly 50 years, serving as treasurer from 1975-1987. Over the years, the organisation expanded, opening multiple outlets and raising significant funds, c...
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...