Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
135 results
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 ...
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...
Friends of LarchwoodFriends of Larchwood aim to relieve the social isolation of the elderly in Larchwood by providing equipment, facilities, activities and services over and above those provided for the residents, particularly with a view to helping residents of the car...
Ellesmere Community Care Centre League of FriendsFormed in 1971, Ellesmere Community Care Centre League of Friends raises funds to enable improvements to be made to the then Ellesmere Cottage Hospital, including building extension work and the provision of equipment. In 1990, the Cottage Hospital w...
League of Hospital Friends (Mansfield and Sutton)Since 1948, the League of Hospital Friends (Mansfield and Sutton) have raised funds for and given support to three local hospitals: Kings Mill Hospital, Mansfield Community Hospital, and Millbrook Unit, Sutton in Ashfield. In support of the work ...
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...
Denbigh is where Edna belongs. A farmers daughter, and then running her own farm, a life that had time to support the local community were hallmarks of her story. It was clearly expected, and at the same time never resented, that she got involved ...
Marion is very grateful for the help she has had over the years from a variety of hospitals across the country. On retirement, she saw this as her opportunity to 'give back', to say thank you to the NHS for everything it had done for her.Volunteer...
Peter Green, League of Hospital Friends Mansfield & Sutton With generations of the family coming from Mansfield, it seemed obvious to Peter that not only would he work locally, but that he would contribute to that community through his voluntary efforts. As early as the 1950’s, he began volunteering, and i...
Steve Taylor, Friends of One Tower Bridge RoadWorking for the London City Mission brought Steve to London, and working in the local community in Camberwell. Initially responding to an enquiry for a link with a care home at 54 Camberwell Green, he later became involved at One Tower Bridge Road.As...
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...
Irene Ireland, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalWhen 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...
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...
Ariane was looking for opportunities to develop her experience and gain a counselling qualification.What she describes is finding so much more than that. It has proved to be a place that is both fulfilling, and mutually supportive....
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...
Iris Williams, Glan Clwyd Hospital League of FriendsVolunteering for Iris has been a new beginning. She describes it as a way of getting out, meeting people, and building her confidence.The Friends couldn't have been more encouraging, helpful and, supportive....