One local family’s passionate support helps Hospice celebrate national Volunteers’ Week

To mark national Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), three brothers have spoken about their commitment to volunteering with Willen Hospice, inspired by their late parents, and the joy it’s brought to their family.

Volunteers’ Week brings together thousands of charities and voluntary organisations to recognise the contribution volunteers make across the UK. Running every year since 1984, the week celebrates the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities and helps power important local services, such as hospices.

Brothers Dave, Ian and Pete volunteer their time and energy to help with Willen Hospice’s events, including the Midnight Moo and Christmas tree collection service. They were inspired to get involved by their late mum, Margaret, who was a long-serving Hospice volunteer herself, and because of the end-of-life care the Hospice provided for their dad, Leslie, in 2008. 

Ian says: “For me, when you're volunteering, you're raising awareness of the Hospice and trying to raise funds, but it's also about showing that you're enjoying it and that it’s fun. It’s exciting meeting different people of all ages, from all walks of life.”

Pete says, “Mum was a dab hand at baking. She made cakes for the Hospice’s Newport Pagnell coffee shop and volunteered there serving customers. It was her way of giving back for the support the Hospice gave her husband at the end of his life.”

Dave says, “Volunteering was Mum’s saving grace after Dad died. It gave her focus and helped her deal with the grief. The social interaction Mum had with the customers and the other volunteers was so special. Now, as brothers we do whatever we can to give back and help promote the wonderful service Willen Hospice provides. We are blessed that we have the Hospice in this area and that it can serve this community.”

More than 600 volunteers support almost every aspect of the Hospice’s work, making up the equivalent of 73 full-time positions. The time volunteers generously give reduces the Hospice’s operational costs so that more income can be spent on vital patient care.

From sorting donated items in their high street shops, to providing wellbeing activities for patients and carers, there are a range of roles available in retail, care, administration, gardening, fundraising and more. Businesses can also get involved through corporate volunteering days that help develop teamwork, employee engagement, and leadership and problem-solving skills, outside of a work environment. 

To read more of the brothers’ story and for information about how you can volunteer with Willen Hospice, visit willen-hospice.org.uk/volunteers-week