Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
111 results
Kathy Sheldon, Friends of Barnes Hospital: Part 1A career at Barnes Hospital meant joining the Friends committee seemed like the next logical step for Kathy. Her heart is clearly for the people of the local community where her tireless enthusiasm means she is constantly innovating new ways t...
Irene Thompson, Friends of Barking HospitalIrene first began volunteering at Barking Hospital in 1964, and since then it has been part of the everyday life for her and her family. Irene’s biggest contribution was as the organiser of the hospital fete, which was well known in the Barking c...
Helen Shorter, Friends of St MarksWhen recently retired, Helen was doing a neighbours garden when a friend asked her to volunteer with the Friends. That was over 20 years ago, during which time supporting the NHS has become a significant part of Helen’s life. Helen is justifiably ...
Richard Rooney, Friends of Chelsea and WestminsterRichard was looking for a change in his life. Having retired from an all-consuming and demanding career, he wanted to do something that not only made a difference to his life but made a difference to others too. At the Chelsea and Westminster,...
Pat Moreno, Friends Of St MarksPat began hospital volunteering once she had retired from work. Initially it was at Stanmore with the friends group there and now it is at St Marks. Her main contribution has been in the tea bar, where she also runs a trolley service up to the t...
Clare Johnstone, Friends of Chelsea and WestminsterWhile on a visit to the Chelsea & Westminster hospital for an outpatient appointment, on the stairs, Clare was suddenly struck with the thought “why don’t I do something for this wonderful hospital”.Over 10 years later she is regularly vo...
Eric Feasey, Friends of Barking HospitalEric has been involved with the Friends of Barking Hospital for a decade. Describing himself as a bit of a “Del boy” he initially began by helping supply stock for the Friends table sales, with up to 10 trestle tables, that took place every wee...
Ian McDowell, Guild Of St BartholomewHospital chaplaincy, as a local vicar, first brought Ian into the world of hospital volunteering. This interest developed, including becoming a hospital voluntary services manager and became involved in a policy group in Whitehall. Initially involve...
Ann Wickham, Guild of St BartholomewWhen Ann’s husband became a doctor at Barts, it was part of the natural order that she become a member of the Guild. This was in the mid 1960’s and she has been involved constantly since then. While currently the President, over the years Ann ha...
Jan O’Neill, Guild Of St BartholomewJan volunteered initially alongside a successful career in journalism. She has bought her professional skills in to her volunteering, and now produces the newsletter. However, she was drawn to volunteering because she was interested in support...
Gordon Dempster, Friends of Chelsea and WestminsterLiving in Chelsea all his life, Gordon began volunteering after he had retired. His family had strong connections with the hospital, which they originally knew as St Stephen’s.He is a regular volunteer on a trolley that goes round 17 wards. ...