What’s it like to volunteer?

What’s it really like to be a hospice volunteer?

Your help as a volunteer is vital to our work. But don’t take just our word for it – here are some of our volunteers’ stories.

Mark’s story

You might have seen Mark at one of our events with his action – capturing the action for us! He’s taken part in many events for us, and volunteered countless times!

“We lost my Uncle to cancer, and although he never got to use St Barnabas, when it came to doing a run to raise money in his memory, they seemed the perfect choice. I had done a few runs for charity already but never really felt a part of them – until I met the amazing people at St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House.

“I did two half marathons and the support was amazing both before and after. Not once did you ever feel like it was just about the money.

“As a volunteer you are as much a part of the day as the runners.”

Maggie’s story

Maggie has volunteered for the hospices for over 10 years and has raised over £100,000 with a St Barnabas House friends’ group, Northbrook Friends. “I retired in 2010 and found that I had some time to fill,” says Maggie. “I started to volunteer at the hospices, and I haven’t looked back since!”

Maggie started volunteering at the hospices for a few hours a week in the Fundraising Team, but soon she found her love for volunteering and set up a Friends Group with her sister-in-law, Jane. “As soon as we started the Friends Group I knew that I was really good at it,” laughs Maggie. “I was brimming with ideas to fundraise. From quiz nights to Christmas Fayres, Northbrook Friends have now helped to raise over £100,000 for the hospices. It’s so rewarding knowing that I am helping raise funds for such a worthy cause. St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House are such an important part of our community, and I know that every penny raised will help local people and their families.”