Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
111 results
Ruth Joyce, Friends of King George HospitalRuth'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...
Nichole Wheaton, Enfield Stroke FriendsWith 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...
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...
Sheila Jackson, The Burton Hospitals League of FriendsBurton 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...
Ann Davies MBE, Prestatyn Central Surgery Community League of FriendsAnn 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...
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,...
Tina Fairclough, David Fairclough, Aintree Hospital League of FriendsThe 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...
Gerry Frobisher, Prestatyn Central Surgery Community League of FriendsInvolvement 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 ...
Lord Barry Jones, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalLord Barry Jones, an 88 year-old resident of Flintshire, reflects on his connection to the Deeside Community Hospital, and the local area.. Lord Barry began his career as a labourer in Shotton Steelworks, and later in his life became a teacher. His p...
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 ...
Sona Sladkova, Friends of Aspen CourtInitially 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...
Catherine Wood, Friends of OaklandsA 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...
Robert Hackett, Friends of OaklandsA member of the local church, Bob was drawn to the volunteering to support a friend living with dementia. If Bob can help, he does, be it offering communion, helping with activities, keeping the garden tidy, or encouraging friends and family to join ...
Pauline Spratt, The Burton Hospitals 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,...
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....
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...
Dorothy Schofield and Gaynor Hughes, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalDorothy and Gaynor are clearly a 'force of nature' in their community. Friends since the 1980's, they have constantly focused on fundraising in Welshpool. Through Fetes, Flag Days, Cocktail Parties, Coffee Mornings, they have worked, and rai...
Sheila Ashley and Ivor Ashley, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalIn the mid 1990’s it was the simple request of a friend that got Ivor and Sheila involved in volunteering for their local hospital. Some 30 years later, their sense of pride in the hospital and the community it serves shines through. Alongside c...