Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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32 results

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 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

Irene Ireland, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital

When 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...

Story: Irene Ireland - Deeside, Flintshire, Wales

Ruth Joyce, Friends of King George Hospital

Ruth's faith is an important part of her life, and it has led to a lifetime of volunteering in her community. On retirement, this began to include volunteering in the local hospital, particularly in the shop.Ruth's skills were recognised, and she bec...

Story: Ruth Joyce - Essex, Goodmayes

Nichole Wheaton, Enfield Stroke Friends

With her whole career supporting the community, Nichole also volunteers in many different settings.Setting up a community group to support survivors of stroke in Enfield is one of her most recent initiatives. In bringing a wealth of knowledge,  in s...

Story: Nichole Wheaton - Enfield London

Sheila Jackson, Burton Hospitals League of Friends

Burton Hospital has always been there serving the community Sheila lives in, also helping generations of  her family. While working in finance, supporting her immediate, and wider family, Sheila helped out in the community wherever she could.On r...

Story: Sheila Jackson - Staffordshire

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

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,...

Story: Jennifer Hughes - Llanelli

Tina Fairclough, David Fairclough, Aintree Hospital League of Friends

The 1980's, a neighbour's cocktail party, and the Fairclough's find themselves drawn into the local League of Friends, just to help out. As a Deputy Head Teacher, and an Accountant and Businessman, they are quickly drawn into everything, including...

Story: David Fairclough, Tina Fairclough - Aintree, Merseyside

Kate Owen, Glan Clwyd League of Friends

Volunteering 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, ...

Story: Kate Owen - Bodelwyddan

Gerry Frobisher, Prestatyn Central Surgery Community League of Friends

Involvement in the local church by his mother, meant volunteering was always part of Gerry's life. Even during his time in the Police Force, he got caught up in volunteeringHis community profile meant the League of Friends soon recruited him, and ...

Story: Gerry Frobisher - Prestatyn

Sona Sladkova, Friends of Aspen Court

Initially working for a volunteering charity, Sona decided to take the step herself. Taking the Chair of a friends group that is very close to where she lives, she has initiated a regular cafe, and enjoys writing bids to raise funds. Alongside this S...

Story: Sona Sladkova - East London

Catherine Wood, Friends of Oaklands

A move to a portfolio career in nursing, gives Catherine the time to consider ways to volunteer in her community. A care home provides the perfect opportunity for a new project, supporting not only the residents and families, but by creating a regula...

Story: Catherine Wood - Essex, Laindon

Pauline Spratt, Burton Hospital League of Friends

Pauline 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,...

Story: Pauline Spratt - Staffordshire

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

Patricia 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

Img 20240729 Wa0034Jayne Mott , The League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Jayne Mott shares her long-standing involvement with the League of Friends at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, starting in the mid-nineties. She describes how she was initially encouraged to join by friends, and later held several leadership positions, inc...

Story: Jayne Mott - Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Img 20240729 Wa0020James Hodgson, The League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

James 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...

Story: James Hodgson - Shrewsbury, Shropshire

David Wood, Friends of One Tower Bridge Road

David Wood OBE, 58, is the Chief Executive of Attend and the Chairman of the Friends of One Tower Bridge Road, among various other career roles. His journey into volunteering began at a young age, with a family background in community service, and la...

Story: David Wood - London