Inspired by the moving online video series ‘humans of New York’ where over the course of 3-4 years over 1200 people were interviewed on the streets of New York; last year we set out to capture the ‘humans of the hospice’. Our first video ‘tales from my holidays by Carole Pidduck’ released in April and gave a close look into the life of a patient.
Episode 2 of the series is titled ‘Helen and Patrick’ and is a conversation with Helen a volunteer whose husband Patrick died at the Hospice. In the video Helen talks about experiencing the loss of a role after Patrick’s death and how through volunteering she found a purpose again. Helen is now a member of our Family and Bereavement support team and donates her time to being there for others who are experiencing loss.
We will be releasing this during national volunteer’s week to highlight the stories behind the incredible people who donate their time and skills to a worthy cause.
Volunteer and Community engagement lead Anne Atkinson said “National Volunteers week is a time when across the country organisations will be celebrating the contribution of volunteers. In our society we rely heavily on people to give their time freely to help provide so many opportunities that enrich our lives. St Mary’s Hospice is no exception and we have a team of 335 registered volunteers who regularly donate their time with us to make a difference when it matters most. It doesn’t stop there as we also have huge support in the community and supporters regularly organise and volunteer at events that raise money for us.”
“We appreciate and thank all our volunteers who are part of the St Mary’s team. Volunteers play a massive part in all areas of the hospice from shops to in-patient unit, visiting people at home to reception. All this ultimately helps to provide more support for people going through some really difficult and emotional stages of their lives.”