Interviewer:

Good morning. Could we start by me asking your name?

Merfyn Tomos:

My name is Merfyn Tomos.

Interviewer:

Nice to meet you, and could I ask what friends group we’re talking about?

Merfyn Tomos:

We’re talking about League of Friends of Glan Clwyd.

Interviewer:

Excellent, thank you. Could I ask how old you are?

Merfyn Tomos:

I’m 71 years old.

Interviewer:

Nice to meet. What got you involved in volunteering in life?

Merfyn Tomos:

I semi-retired when I was 60 and started volunteering here to pay back to the NHS, especially here. My daughter had been in the unit here over the years. And when she was here, the cafe was a godsend for us, my wife and I. So yeah, that’s why I came. I started here subsequently, I returned to work because I was bored and I’m still working three days a week. I’m a trade union officer with Unison, many members here in this hospital. And so, the two spare days I have, I came in here for some tests, nothing serious. And I saw the sign that they wanted volunteers, and I thought, yes, okay, I’ll go back and do it again.

Interviewer:

And what do you do for your volunteering?

Merfyn Tomos:

I volunteer in the cafeteria. I’m available every Monday.

Interviewer:

So, when you say you volunteer in the cafeteria, is that working behind the counter?

Merfyn Tomos:

Behind the counter, I’ve mastered the till fairly quickly. I serve the hot drinks and then when I get the chance, I enjoy going out, clearing tables, having a chat with people. I’m bilingual, Welsh is my mother tongue and there are so many people who come in here, I think, who appreciate speaking in their mother tongue. It’s important here.

Interviewer:

Absolutely, and I have to say everything that’s written on the website can be read in Welsh as well.

Merfyn Tomos:

Very important. I believe it is the Welsh Language Act requirement.

Interviewer:

So, you opt when you go in, just for people who are listening who are not sure, as you go into the website, you can opt and it will change everything into Welsh for you.

Merfyn Tomos:

Marvelous.

Interviewer:

I’m imagining that actually as a man volunteering for the League of Friends, you’re in the minority or is that not the case?

Merfyn Tomos:

Yes, I would agree with you. From what I see when I come in on Mondays, yes, there are only three of us men whom I’m aware of myself, Bob, and George.

Interviewer:

But would you say that if a man was interested, there’s plenty that a man could do here, and he’d enjoy it?

Merfyn Tomos:

Absolutely. I enjoy it enormously. When I came in this morning, and Steph said she didn’t need me for the rest of the month, I was quite disappointed.  As it happens, it was my fault, and I’m back in on one. But yeah, I enjoy, I look forward to coming in here on the bus every Monday.

Interviewer:

Do you have any favourite memory of people you’ve met or things you’ve done while you are here?

Merfyn Tomos:

Yes, because when I resumed the beginning of this year, thereabouts, who was on the till, but Bob, who was here with me 10-11 years ago, and Bob’s still here, top man, he’s enabled me to come back in seamlessly.

Interviewer:

So, it’s about the people.

Merfyn Tomos:

It is about the people, yes. I mean, on a Monday I’m available, I’d happily go off on my bike down the coast all day. But I prefer coming here because of the people, and the socialising, and the feeling of giving something back. I heard this morning how much money we raised over the last 12 months and that is a feel good factor.

Interviewer:

So out of interest, how much money have you raised?

Merfyn Tomos:

I’m told it’s 300,000 pounds.

Interviewer:

Excellent.

Merfyn Tomos:

So, I believe, not just the cafe, but everything here. To give that back to the NHS, as I said, I’m a trade union officer, need I say anymore supporting the NHS to the hilt.

Interviewer:

That’s great. Thank you. Is there anything else you’d like to tell me today?

Merfyn Tomos:

Pleased to speak to you, and pleased that you are able to help Steph, and her colleagues continue to run this marvellous operation.

Interviewer:

Absolutely. Our pleasure and thank you for your time. I really appreciate it

Merfyn Tomos:

It’s really been my pleasure.