Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
150 results
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...
Edna Ellis, The League of Friends of the Denbighshire InfirmaryDenbigh 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 Faunch, The Burton Hospitals League of FriendsMarion 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 Cook & Julie Cook, Aphasia Re-ConnectPeter 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....
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...
Colin Griffith, Glan Clwyd Hospital League of FriendsColin has always chatted to people in the local community, be it in his role in retail, or being a parent governor at his children's school. Now he volunteers on the welcome desk (previously run by the RVS) and the League of Friends Coffee Shop. H...
Kate Owen, Glan Clwyd League of FriendsVolunteering 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, ...
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...