As part of National Volunteers’ Week we would like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic volunteers for all that you do. We’ll be celebrating many of our wonderful volunteers over the week, so look out for their stories here.

Jayne Richardson – Jayne has volunteered with Severn Hospice for seven years on our reception at Bicton.

 “I began volunteering in 2009 after visiting my neighbour who was a patient in the hospice. When I visited her she would tell me about the supportive and caring nursing she received and I would also talk with other people who were already volunteering here.  It was during these visits that I decided it was something I wanted to do.

“I enjoy several aspects of volunteering. After over 30 years as a teacher, working on reception is very different. I meet so many different people, staff and visitors. I really enjoy the various responsibilities that I’m given, from receiving donations, to dealing with visitors and sorting the post. I enjoy feeling that I am doing something useful.”

Jane Clarke – Jane has been volunteering with us for two years, spending one year in an administrative role and then on our ward at Apley.

“I started volunteering here 2 years ago. I began by working in the office and then moved to volunteer on the ward. I really wanted to be with the patients. I make cups of tea and do lots of washing up, I make lunches and talk to the patients and their relatives.

“It’s such a joyful place to be, it’s not anything that people who haven’t been here before would imagine. The staff are lovely, the patients are lovely and it’s so heart-warming to see the care that goes into taking care of people. Stories I hear about things the nurses have done to go the extra mile stay with me. They’ve organised weddings, helped people to bring their pets in. Sometimes it’s simply very normal here, despite it being end of life care.”