My wife volunteered here and encouraged me to take a look around. The timing to come and volunteer here all fell into place. I had retired to look after my parents and when sadly they passed away I realised I needed a new purpose; for me retirement isn’t all it’s cracked out to be. I need a drive, I need a purpose and when I came here to St John’s I realised ‘this is me’. This is the best place for me to be, I love my work here and as for my hours – well they are directed by what the plants and allotment need!

“Volunteering here at St John’s is brilliant. I love the fact that when you come in everyday there is something different to do. I can be fixing things on the ward, building a bike shelter or repairing anything around the hospice – it’s never boring. I don’t like a routine so this suits me down to the ground and it’s suited me for almost six years now.

I came here because I wanted to do something to help, when you know people who have passed away here or been helped here; you know you want to give back for what the Hospice has given others. I used to think that the Hospice treated only cancer patients but now I know differently because people come here for help with all sorts of illnesses.

I lost a family member here recently so I truly appreciate the first class service this Hospice provides and it has made me appreciate even more how fortunate I am to be able to play a very small part of this wonderful Hospice team.

Volunteering here works for me, I feel appreciated and work with brilliant people and it nice to know that I am giving something back.”

“Like many people one of my first experiences of St John’s Hospice was the Moonlight Walk; I offered to be a marshal or steward. The fundraising events are great fun and on one occasion I found myself doing a run in a grass skirt! For me St John’s was the obvious place to come to help. I know a few people who have come to the Hospice; some to stay for end of life care and some who come for treatment and go home again. I’ve always been impressed with the care and compassion you see here. When I started volunteering here I knew I’d made the right choice. Working with the maintenance team is perfect for me because there’s a lot of variety; from furniture removal, to collecting supplies from the Infirmary, to general repairs, painting and jobs like putting up shelves. The staff here are great too so I’m on to a winner! “