Our impact Latest news A big cheers to all our volunteers VOLUNTEERS WEEK 2025 It’s Volunteers Week, so what better time to shout out to all our incredible volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our hospitals. Whether they've volunteered at events or collections, helped keep our fundraising hub bustling, or simply spread kindness, their dedication has made a remarkable difference to lives of so many. A full-hearted thank you from all of us at Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity (BWHC) for being a part of our team. We couldn’t go above and beyond for our hospitals without you. OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS Some of our incredible volunteers have shared why they volunteer for BWHC and what they love about it. Read about some of our inspirational volunteers making a difference: Carol, Fundraising Hub Volunteer Emma Louise Woods, Charity Champion Bradley Greening, Event & Hub volunteer Pat Cross, Event & Hub volunteer Tracey Arthur, Champion Charity & event volunteer Alison Finch, Charity Champion CAROL, HUB VOLUNTEER volunteer since 2021 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 have you enjoyed 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. Do you have any stories about your time volunteering? I was in the hospital lately with my daugher. She mentioned to the doctor that I volunteer at the hub, and the doctor said, “I thought I recognised you!” She told me she came into the shop once looking for a jumper for her nephew and remembered how I’d helped her find just the right one. She offered me a cup of tea, it was a lovely moment. Would you recommend volunteering? 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. What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering? I’d say do it. You hear about volunteering, and you see signs in charity shops saying volunteers wanted, but you don’t always know what it actually means. But once you get involved, you realise it’s about 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. EMMA louise woods, Charity Champion VOLUNTEER since 2021 Why did you decide to become a Charity Champion? I wanted to give back to the hospital and support the amazing work done by our staff and volunteers. I’ve seen first-hand how charitable funding can make a real difference for patients and colleagues, and I wanted to help raise awareness and get more people involved. What do you enjoy most about being a Charity Champion? What I enjoy most is the sense of community. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that brings people together for a good cause. Whether it's organising a fundraising event or cheering on participants in a challenge, there's always a great atmosphere and shared purpose. Do you have any stories about your time as a Charity Champion? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a link between staff and BWHC. One of the most rewarding parts has been listening to ideas from colleagues, whether it's something to boost staff wellbeing or enhance the patient experience, and then being able to support those ideas and help turn them into reality. It’s been inspiring to see how small suggestions can grow into real, positive change when people feel heard and supported. Would you recommend becoming a Charity Champion to other UHBW staff? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic way to connect with colleagues, support the hospital in a different way, and develop new skills. It doesn’t take much time and the impact you can make is really meaningful. What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering or becoming a Charity Champion? Go for it! You don’t need to be a fundraising expert—just willing to get involved and help spread the word. It’s a chance to do something positive and inspiring, and you’ll be supported every step of the way. PAT CROSS, EVENT & HUB VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER since 2015 Why did you decide to volunteer? I began volunteering after retiring from my job at Bristol University as I’ve had two major illnesses and the hospital saved my life twice. What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering? I have enjoyed meeting other volunteers as well as some people I’ve liaised with during my sessions in the hub and raising money for the charity. Do you have any stories about your time volunteering? One time, while covering at the hub, a lady came in with big bags of coins her elderly mom had saved for years, saying, 'Mum wants me to give you all this.' It was such a lovely moment. I must admit, I truly enjoy being a volunteer and meeting wonderful people. Would you recommend volunteering? Yes I would recommend volunteering for BWHC. I cannot commit to working in the hub on a regular basis due to other commitments, but over the years I have filled in when people are sick or on holiday or for a special event. TRACEY ARTHUR, CHARITY CHAMPION & EVENT VOLUNTEER volunteer since 2005 Why did you decide to become a Charity Champion? I loved the charity's values. I became very aware working within Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC) how much support the charity offered. I was also able to see first hand what a difference various projects had on the patients and their families within the hospital. Without the charity's support we could not have achieved that. I also really like that they support patients, families and staff working within the Bristol and Weston hospitals. Going above and beyond has always been a motto that I believe the charity certainly stands up too. What do you enjoy most about being a Charity Champion? I love getting involved in the whole range of challenges the charity offers. I love that my family and friends are keen supporters and take part. My biggest love is the cake sale that I do at BHOC, we have a bit of a reputation for them now! I always did this with my mum and sister. Sadly after I lost my mum it took me a while to get back to doing them without her, it didn’t feel the same, but my sister and I are now back to it and enjoying it again. As a nurse I find the bake sales are the opportunity for me to see patients out of my usual role and talk to them about the charity. Do you have any stories about your time as a Charity Champion? As a Charity Champion, sometimes spreading the word about the charity can come in many forms. For myself it’s taking on challenges and fundraising. I have been so fortunate to have cycled from Bristol to Paris twice, London to Amsterdam, sky dives, walks, runs. I have been very proud of how much money I have raised, at the last count it’s over £20,000 it’s crazy. Would you recommend becoming a Charity Champion to other UHBW staff? Definitely recommend it get involved in the charity that supports your hospitals, it’s great fun. What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering or becoming a Charity Champion? Do it you will love it!! bradley greening, EVENT & HUB VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER since 2022 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 have you enjoyed most about your time 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 about 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 volunteering? 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. ALISON FINCH, CHARITY CHAMPION volunteer since 2015 Why did you decide to become a Charity Champion? I started being a Charity Champion because I wanted to help patients with their stay in hospital. Hospital is a stressful place and if I can help make it easier then i am happy. What do you enjoy most about being a Charity Champion? I absolutely love being able to help raise money for the patients and staff in the hospital. I love organizing events and always looking to do bigger things. I also love that my son Stephen takes an interest in the charity and likes to support me in the events that I do. Would you recommend becoming a Charity Champion to other UHBW staff? I would recommend being a champion to any body as it is very fulfilling . EMMA PRICE, VOLUNTEER FROM BOWMER & KIRKLAND “Our volunteering event was super easy for us. You gave us the space, time and format, and made it so simple for us to complete in a timeframe that suited us. It was an instant yes from our directors. “Thank you so much for the experience, the team really took a lot from the day.” Feeling inspired? MAYBE IT'S TIME TO JOIN THEM. Find out more about how you too can make a difference through volunteering with Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and be part of something special. Manage Cookie Preferences