“I volunteer because it makes me feel happy and I’m glad to be helping the hospice, which provides great care and support to lots of people,” explained Gray Gardner, aged 15-years-old, who has volunteered at St Elizabeth Hospice, since May 2023.
Every year more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, are supported throughout east Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney by the free specialist palliative care provision of St Elizabeth Hospice.
This care is provided by hospice staff who operate throughout the region but who are supported by a fantastic team of volunteers, like Gray, whose generosity enables St Elizabeth Hospice to continue evolving its services to care for more people in the local community.
“I’ve got a personal connection to the hospice, through the charity’s fundraising department, as I know Abby Muhs-Brown, and I worked with her during my school work experience in June 2023 which was a lot of fun,” said Gray, who is a Year 11 student at Copleston High School.
“During my time volunteering, and spending a week’s work experience at St Elizabeth Hospice, I was able to support a wide number of departments, including fundraising, the clinical teams, reception and the facilities team.
“It was really varied and lots of fun. I especially enjoyed supporting the reception team, answering the phone and sorting through admin tasks for staff; I got a lot done.
“Through volunteering at the hospice, I have also had the chance to support events such as the hospice’s annual remembrance event, Suffolk Remembers, and its flagship fundraiser, Midnight Walk.
“Both were very special to be a part of, for different reasons, but both gave people the chance to remember their loved ones, which was beautiful to see.
“The Midnight Walk had a great energy and I even managed to persuade my Mum to volunteer with me at the event too.
“During my time volunteering at St Elizabeth Hospice, I’ve learnt that many people really care so much about the work of the charity. The hospice’s services are so important because they provide support to people when they really need it.
“Through volunteering it is nice to give back to this great service, especially by volunteering at the hospice’s fundraising events and helping the charity raise more money, to help more people and their families.”
To learn more about volunteering opportunities at St Elizabeth Hospice email volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/support-us/volunteer-for-us/.