St Andrew’s Hospice has joined thousands of charities and voluntary organisations in recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK this Volunteers’ Week.
Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills.
St Andrew’s Hospice will be celebrating their volunteers by hosting a series of events, where volunteers can come together, enjoy afternoon tea and some live music and dancing.
Norma MacDonald volunteers in the Dove Shop within the hospice reception and at its shopping outlet in Coatbridge.
She told us why she gives her time to the Lanarkshire charity: “In July 2019, sadly my husband passed away in St Andrew’s Hospice after a short illness. Since then, rebuilding my life has been quite a journey.
“As I’m sure anyone here tonight who has lost a lifetime partner knows, finding your way forward alone is not easy.
“Suddenly, everything changes for you, and all the plans you had for your future together are no longer an option.
“As the months passed, I began to realise that I needed to find something positive to do with my life, something which would be beneficial for me and also give back for the care that my husband, Ian, and myself received as a family from all the hospice staff and volunteers.
“I had been in the Dove Shop in the hospice reception several times during my husband’s stay there, and I realised that that’s where I could maybe help. So, in October 2019, I began to volunteer in the Dove Shop.
View 2 ImagesNorma MacDonald, who volunteers in the Dove Shop within the hospice’s reception and at its shopping outlet in Coatbridge
“Straight away, even from the first day, I felt that I was taken into the family of St Andrew’s Hospice, receiving support and friendship at my time of need.
“I really enjoy volunteering there, and also in the hospice’s shopping outlet since it opened over a year ago; meeting new people, building relationships, and making new friends.
“I found that I could make a difference, especially being able to understand how patients’ families are feeling and the difficulties that they face with the illness of a loved one.
“Sometimes they will open up and talk to you about their loved one and the difficulties they are facing when they are in the shop.”
Norma added: “Volunteering with the hospice has been a great experience for me.
“It has given me a purpose in my life and a reason to get up and go out in the mornings.
“I really look forward to my working days. As a result of this, I found that I am much stronger and far more resilient than I ever thought I could be.
“Still to this day, I think that I get more back from volunteering than I give to the hospice.
“A well-known quote states, ‘Only by giving, are you able to receive more than you already have.’
“If you have ever thought about giving time to the hospice, then please do so.
“You will never regret your decision, and you will be welcomed into the family that is St Andrew’s Hospice.”
Joy Farquharson, hospice CEO, praised the organisation’s 650 volunteers, saying: “I’d like to thank our amazing volunteers for everything they give to St Andrew’s Hospice.
“Without you, we would not be able to provide the services that we do. I can’t thank you all enough.”
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From beauticians to befrienders, St Andrew’s has a wide variety of volunteering opportunities on offer. So if you can spare a couple of hours per week to support your local hospice; visit www.st-andrews-hospice.com/recruitment for more information on the roles available.
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