Lou

“You get more out of volunteering than you put in.”

“My neighbour, Barbara Curd, was a founder of the hospice. I offered to help out for an afternoon – that was 33 years ago! I’ve been volunteering ever since.

I’m in hospitality services. I iron tablecloths, set tables, serve our patients and their families, and help out in the kitchen.

I used to volunteer more when I was younger. Now I do fewer hours. That’s the beauty of volunteering, it can fit in with you and your life.

You get a lot more out of volunteering than you put in. You get this feeling, a sense that you’re part of making a difference.

One man said to me: ‘I thought I’d come here to learn how to die. I now realise I’ve come to learn how to live.’ I’m so grateful I was a small part of his journey.”