Hospice to honour its volunteers

The Wroughton-based charity is to mark the national Volunteers' Week by publicly thanking its own volunteers.

Prospect Hospice says the pandemic has meant many of the 800 volunteers have been unable to volunteer due to fundraising events being postponed and shops closing during lockdowns.

Su Starkey, head of volunteering, learning and inclusion at Prospect Hospice, said: “All of our volunteers are truly fantastic and we would not be able to do what we do without them. 

"They are our unsung heroes and dedicate so much time and energy to help us wherever they can."

Some volunteers have taken on different roles, enabling the hospice to continue its vital work.

These include Linda Byron and Lyn Smith, who both live locally and are undertaking reception duties.

Linda is helping on both the hospice’s front desk reception and the inpatient unit reception, taking phone calls and helping with covid-19 testing as visitors come to see loved ones. Before the pandemic Linda was volunteering in the hospice’s café and day therapy unit.

With the hospice closed to general visitors, her role in the café was suspended. When the hospice appealed for volunteers to help on its main reception desk she and Lyn came forward.

Linda said: “I love to help in any way and get so much satisfaction knowing that I am helping such a great cause.”

Lyn said: “I worked as a senior secretary for Halcrow, but in my early career I was a nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon, so I felt I had the skills and experience to support the reception desk. 

“When I retired I wanted to volunteer in the local community. I love helping people and this is such a worthwhile thing to do.” 

Su Starkey added: “Due to the pandemic, a number of the volunteers’ roles are on hold but that hasn’t stopped our volunteers wanting to help, such as Linda and Lyn who have taken on different roles at the hospice’s reception desks.  

“We can’t wait to welcome all of our volunteers back to their roles when things return to normal but in the meantime we want to say a huge thank you for everything they do for us.” 

Currently the hospice is seeking more volunteers for its charity shops, which have been well supported by customers since re-opening in April. 

Anybody who is interested should email [email protected] or call the team on 07884 261259.

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