Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
13 results
Richard Steventon, The League of Friends of the Shrewsbury and Telford HospitalRichard was born in The Potteries and spent the early part of his career working in various parts of the country before finding himself at the Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital in the late 1970’s. He spent 10 years working with the Urology Team,...
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....
Denise Juggler, Friends of King George HospitalTo Denise, being part of things and contributing are part of her DNA. Be it the home-made cakes carefully prepared before we arrived, or her recounting of involvement at the Synagogue, she has clearly thrown her energies into helping the community in...
Marie Pearson, Friends of OaklandsHaving worked in the care home for many years, Marie wanted to continue her association with the place, and the residents through volunteering. She is a regular at the Friends coffee mornings for residents, where her natural affinity with them and th...
Joan Key, Friends of King George HospitalOn retirement, Joan was looking for something to keep her active, and as her family had benefited from the local hospital, this was where she began.Regular shifts in the Friends shop gave a welcome structure. Some forty years later, friendships made ...
Kathleen Fox MBE, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalHer 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...
Patricia Daniels MBE, Chester Childbirth AppealFollowing 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....
Beryl Angel, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalOn retirement from the NHS, the next logical step for Beryl was to begin volunteering for the Friends. The Flower Guild, arranging flowers in the Chapel, was a good starting point, but Covid brought this opportunity to an end. Today Beryl regularl...
Patricia Evans, Friends of St MarksAfter a long and successful career in the NHS, following retirement, Trish decided it was time to give something back. Initially starting her career as volunteer in the gardens, she now finds herself Chairman of the Friends Group. It is a t...
Following a full and rewarding career in probation work, Lynn found herself at retirement age, but she wasn’t ready to stop, and still felt she had something to offer. Having used the Friends Cafe while visiting the hospital, she asked if there wer...
Kathy Sheldon, Friends of Barnes Hospital: Part 2The interview continues with Kathy talking about the many ways she is embedded in the Barnes community, her networks, and the way her passions extend to all things "Barnes". Her volunteering is clearly about who she is, not what she does. She brin...
Kathy Sheldon, Friends of Barnes Hospital: Part 1A career at Barnes Hospital meant joining the Friends committee seemed like the next logical step for Kathy. Her heart is clearly for the people of the local community where her tireless enthusiasm means she is constantly innovating new ways t...
Helen Shorter, Friends of St MarksWhen recently retired, Helen was doing a neighbours garden when a friend asked her to volunteer with the Friends. That was over 20 years ago, during which time supporting the NHS has become a significant part of Helen’s life. Helen is justifiably ...