The volunteers doing great things for years

Why did you decide to volunteer?  

I had just finished my radiotherapy treatment when I received a letter from the hospital asking if I’d be interested in volunteering. After thinking it over, I decided to give it a try. I ended up at the charity office and everyone was so lovely. They offered me a cup of tea and asked if I could use a computer. I said 'yes' and got stuck into some office tasks right away. From the very first day, I loved the people and found myself looking forward to going back. 

What does a typical day of volunteering look like for you? What kind of things do you do? 

Over the years, I’ve done a bit of everything. I’ve carried collection buckets at events, sold items at the charity shop, and supported the office with all sorts of admin tasks. Whatever I was doing, I always knew we were raising money that directly helps the patients and I was doing my bit.  

While I might not be as active as I once was, I still volunteer every month at pop-up stalls across the hospitals to hand out flyers. This is incredibly important because people pick up those leaflets on their way to an appointment or while visiting a loved one; it lets them see what the charity is doing for our hospitals and how they can get involved. 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? 

The people. I get to meet such wonderful people, and I actually met one of my best friends, Dina, through volunteering. We’ve had so much fun taking on various roles together over the years, and it feels great knowing we are 'doing our bit' to help our local hospitals. 

Would you recommend becoming a BWHC volunteer? 

I wouldn’t hesitate! I’m always encouraging my friends and family to get involved—my grandson ran for the charity. I get my neighbours involved—I collect their knitted items to sell in the charity shop. I always try to make sure our community spaces are stocked with charity flyers. It’s a lovely community to be part of. 

Why did you decide to volunteer?  

I remember sitting at the charity’s summer party listening to one of the volunteers story about how they were giving back to the hospitals that cared for their loved ones. That speech inspired me. I thought, I’ve got time on my hands, why not do something like that too, and I became a volunteer. 

The care my husband Ron received at the hospital was incredible. I’ll always remember the doctor there, she was amazing. It’s such a tough job they’ve got, but they’re doing their best, and they were brilliant with him. 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? 

You’ll have someone who wants to stop and have a chat with you, either a patient, a staff member, or someone visiting a loved one in the hospital. There was one woman I had a long chat with. She works at the hospital, she’s done fundraising, running, cycling—all on top of working these long shifts at the hospital. And she still finds time to support the hospitals in other ways. It’s inspiring.   

Would you recommend becoming a bwhc volunteer? 

Absolutely, yes. I remember chatting to my daughter after a quiet day at the hub. I said, not many people came in today. And she said, but mum, if you hadn’t been there, even the bit of money that was made wouldn’t have been raised. That is true, every little bit helps, and just being there does make a difference.   

It’s much more than just helping in a shop - You’re supporting the hospitals, you’re helping people, and sometimes you’re just offering a friendly face to someone who really needs it. 

Why did you decide to volunteer?

My aunt was the reason I got involved initially as she has been a major advocate for the charity, having worked at the Haematology and Oncology Centre for many years now. I helped my aunt with her bake sales for at least eight years. As to why I'm still volunteering now, it's because of the people that work tirelessly at BWHC to raise funds for our hospitals, I really respect and appreciate what they do. 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? 

Witnessing the amazing feats that people have achieved to raise money. Multi-day bike rides, abseiling down the Avon Gorge, running in marathons! I could not do it and I'm in awe of the many who have. 

Do you have any stories during your time volunteering? 

I can't think of a particular story but I like it when people come into the hub and fawn over all the knitwear, especially when they're buying for a newborn baby! When you're in a hospital, where sometimes it may feel quite bleak, it is so nice to have those spaces, or even just moments, that bring people joy :) 

Would you recommend becoming a BWHC volunteer? 

One word. Absolutely! Commit as much or as little time as you want. Any contribution is wonderful and the team value all their volunteers highly.