Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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135 results

Tina Fairclough, David Fairclough, Aintree Hospital League of Friends

The 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...

Story: David Fairclough, Tina Fairclough - Aintree, Merseyside

Colin Griffith, Glan Clwyd Hospital League of Friends

Colin 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...

Story: Colin Griffith - Glan Clwyd Denbighshire

Kate Owen, Glan Clwyd League of Friends

Volunteering 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, ...

Story: Kate Owen - Bodelwyddan

Gerry Frobisher, Prestatyn Central Surgery Community League of Friends

Involvement 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 ...

Story: Gerry Frobisher - Prestatyn

Lord Barry Jones, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital

Lord 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...

Story: Lord Barry Jones - Deeside, Wales

Joan Key, Friends of King George Hospital

On 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 ...

Story: Joan Key - Essex, Goodmayes

Sona Sladkova, Friends of Aspen Court

Initially 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...

Story: Sona Sladkova - East London

Catherine Wood, Friends of Oaklands

A 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...

Story: Catherine Wood - Essex, Laindon

Robert Hackett, Friends of Oaklands

A 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 ...

Story: Robert Hackett -

Pauline Spratt, The Burton Hospitals League of Friends

Pauline 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,...

Story: Pauline Spratt - Staffordshire

Kathleen Fox MBE, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital

Her 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...

Story: Kathleen Fox MBE - Deeside

Ian Maine, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Having used similar services years ago, even gives a unique insight into the value of a child contact centre, and how important it can be to reassure parents and children both during the visit, but also in maintaining the health of the longer term re...

Story: Ian Maine - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

Lindy Pearman, Avenue Child Contact Centre

Lindy's connection to the Avenue Church, and previously with Southend Council Social Services, highlighted to her the importance of being involved with the Contact Centre. She has always volunteered with children and is also a carer in a dementia hom...

Story: Lindy Pearman - Essex, Westcliff-On-Sea

This story is about:

  1. Children
  2. Community
  3. Families

A photo of Patricia Daniels OBE, the founder of Chester ChildbirthPatricia Daniels MBE, Chester Childbirth Appeal

Following 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....

Story: Patricia Daniels MBE - Chester Cheshire

Zenaide Dlamini, Friends of Newcross Care Home 

Studying in sixth form meant that Zenaide had to get involved in volunteering. It clearly has become more to her, as she lights up talking about her developing friendships with residents.Unexpectedly it turned into paid work, and Zenaide shares he...

Story: Zenaide Dlamini - West Midlands, Wolverhampton

Merfyn Tomos, Glan Clwyd League of Friends

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...

Story: Merfyn Tomos - Glan Clwyd Denbighshire

Dorothy Schofield and Gaynor Hughes, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital

Dorothy 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...

Story: Dorothy Scholfield, Gaynor Hughes - Oswestry, Shropshire

Sheila Ashley and Ivor Ashley, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital

In 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...

Story: Ivor Ashley, Sheila Ashley - Oswestry, Shropshire

Jayne Vaughan, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 

Following twelve months in hospital, and a significant rehabilitation programme, Jayne moved from Bolton to be near her sister.  Her warmth and enthusiasm for the difference the volunteering has made to her life tumbles out of her. She can't ...

Story: Jayne Vaughan - Oswestry, Shropshire

Elaine Tinsley, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital

An early career in the hospital meant Elaine always felt an affinity to it. On retirement she began volunteering, which turned in to a new career in the finance office. Elaine describes the League of Friends as feeling like a 'family', with the hu...

Story: Elaine Tinsley - Oswestry, Shropshire