Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
28 results
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...
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...
Chris was introduced to the League of Friends of Uckfield Hospital by an ex-colleague. He was encouraged to take up the role as Treasurer of the League. Chris had been in and out of hospital a few times and wanted to give something back.Chris really ...
Arthur Phillips, League of Friends of Glangwili HospitalArthur Phillips became a member of the League of Friends of Glangwili Hospital in Wales almost by accident, when he found his Treasurer role with the group came as part of his new role as deacon in the local chapel in Carmarthen.Volunteering hadn’t...
Bridget Foley, AttendBridget started volunteering very early on when she accompanied her Mum to Church, where they arranged flowers, handed out hymn books and mended curtains. As she got older she took on these and other tasks within the church and continued throughout h...
Stephen and Pauline Redman, Friends of Amarna HouseSteve is a Christian minister in the City of York, and his wife, Pauline, is a secondary school teacher. Steve is the Chairman of the Friends of Amarna House, and the cancer charity Candlelighters, and they have both been involved in the community fo...
Nevil Williams, Radio BGMNevil is the epitome of a local lad. Born and having always lived locally, he supports the local community with all his heart. Helping wherever he can, he has followed in the footsteps of his stepfather, a local lay preacher, and joined the hospit...
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...
Joan Lythgoe MBE, Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped (BOPH)Born in London and brought up in Canvey Island, Joan worked as a supervisor for STC (Standard Telephone and Cable) before she co-created BOPH (Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped). Initially, she was able to travel to work locally, ...
Jean Ranson, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalCaring and volunteering were all part of Jean's life from a young age. This both supported and led to a life long career as a nurse. Volunteering for the League of Friends was another part of hospital and community life that Jean helped with whene...
Ken Rees, The Llanelli & District League of Hospital FriendsKen's story is a life embedded in South Wales. It's about being totally immersed in the local community from a young age. From playing rugby with Llanelli Scarletts, to raising money for equipment at the local hospital, to being Mayor....
Don and Louise Wyman, Friends of King George HospitalVolunteering 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 ...
Professor Keir Lewis, Amman Valley Hospital League of FriendsWhile aware of the Leagues of Friends throughout his career in medicine, it wasn't until a neighbour asked him to become a Trustee, that Keir found himself actively involved in the League of Friends.Describing the passion and enthusiasm the volunteer...
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....
Jayne Mott , The League of Friends of the Shrewsbury and Telford HospitalJayne 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...
Hilary Collins, Avenue Child Contact CentreCombining a career in nursing, and a personal faith, Hilary has been involved in the Child Contact Centre at Avenue Baptist Church since it began. Bringing a wealth of experience, Hilary is involved both in governance as a trustee, to hands on volun...
Nicolette Coleman, Avenue Child Contact CentreOver twenty years after getting involved, Nicolette still enjoys every moment of her volunteering. It’s not that it’s easy, or fun, it’s worthwhile. It makes a difference to the lives of the children and families that the service support...
Julie Eady, Shared Space Her personal faith has shaped many of Julie’s choices in life. Initially working as the paid book-keeper, hearing about the volunteering community lured her into further involvement. Her enthusiasm for the other volunteers, for the sense of communi...
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...