St Luke's celebrates its many amazing volunteers

Over the past 12 months volunteers have collectively contributed more than 45,500 hours of their time in support of the hospice, whether helping in its charity shops, stewarding at fundraising events or supporting patient care.

Neil Wright, CEO of St Luke’s, said: "Volunteers really are the lifeblood of St Luke’s, making a difference in all areas of our work from our shops to fundraising events and of course in the Hospice itself.

"They bring enthusiasm, passion and dedication to our team and it’s no exaggeration to say that the Hospice simply could not exist without them.

"We are so grateful to them."

Zena Walford from Winsford has been volunteering with St Luke’s for nearly four years, including working in the Hospice reception and helping out in the shops, which she currently does in the furniture and fashion shop on Delamere Street.

"I’ve met some really nice people, genuinely lovely people and got some nice new friends," she said. 

"I get a lot out of meeting different people and you know it’s for such a good cause.

"It’s very flexible and there’s always something to do.

"Everyone’s really helpful and chatty, after a week you’ll feel like you’ve been here forever.

"We even have little socials and nights out, we all get on so well."

Jan Hayes volunteers at the St Luke's Day Hospice

Jan Heys, a qualified nurse, has volunteered in the day hospice for ten years.

Explaining her role she said, "I make cups of tea, talk to patients and listen.

"I actually give hand and foot massages now after being taught, which is quite hard work but very rewarding.

"I just give the patients the time and a listening ear, which is what they need.

"The staff are extremely welcoming and always there to answer any questions. There’s a lot of self-satisfaction in volunteering, the feeling that you’ve done something worthwhile.

"I’d encourage anyone to get involved."

Andy Horswell is a volunteer driver for St Luke's

Andy Horswell has been volunteering as a van driver at St Luke’s Warehouse in Winsford since he retired from the travel industry three years ago, and he says he likes the variety of the tasks.

"It’s totally different every day I come in, he said.

"Everyone’s friendly, we have a laugh, we get through the work and the hours go so quickly.

"It shoots by because there’s so much to be done.

"It’s something totally different to my job before I retired.

"I was stuck in an office but now I’m out and about all over Cheshire collecting donations or helping out with the shops."

St Luke’s has a variety of volunteer roles available to suit all sorts of interests and skill sets.

Support and training is provided and the commitment can be as little as four hours a week, usually a morning or afternoon, although this can be flexible.