A WIDOWER who volunteers at the hospice which supported his late wife is urging others to do the same.

Cuddington resident Lee Winterbottom volunteers at St Luke’s warehouse in Winsford every Monday as an eBay researcher.

The 56-year-old wants to help raise as much money as he can for the charity but says he can never repay them for the care his wife Dianne received on the inpatient unit in the final two weeks of her life.

He said: "My wife sadly died at the hospice in June last year just weeks before her 58th birthday.

“The hospice had cared for her mum before that and her sister before that, so I have quite a history of family members being cared for by St Luke’s.”

Lee is a former paramedic and transported many patients in and out of hospices during his career.

However, until last summer, he had never experienced the care firsthand.

“It was perfect from the moment we arrived,” he said.

“I remember the sense of relief we all felt the moment we walked through the doors.

“The care was individualised and everyone involved in looking after Di and also looking after me and the whole family were amazing."

Following Dianne’s death, Lee received counselling to help him come to terms with the bereavement.

A few months later he saw the advert for a volunteer eBay researcher and decided to apply.

Lee said: "It came from wanting to give something back.

“I was able to donate some money to the hospice to support one of their campaigns, but that didn’t feel like enough. Being here and giving my time is much more personal.

“I’m doing this in honour of Di, her mum, her sister and all the people who’ve been cared for and will be cared for at the hospice.

"I can equate what I do, and the money we raise as a team, to the care it will provide families in the future, and that’s really satisfying.

“There’s a really good team at the warehouse, everyone is so friendly and we get on well. I absolutely love it. From what I can see at St Luke’s, volunteering seems to give people a lot of happiness.”

This week, June 3 to June 9, is National Volunteers’ Week.

St Luke’s currently has 681 volunteers, who have given up a combined 58,700 hours of their time over the past year.

Volunteer coordinator, Adelle Gillett, said: “St Luke’s Hospice simply could not exist without the support of volunteers and we are so grateful to them for their kindness and dedication.

"During Volunteers’ Week, anyone interested can either get in touch with me or call into one of our shops where they can chat to our wonderful volunteers and sign up for taster sessions to see if volunteering is for them.

“If you have ever thought about volunteering, but haven’t been sure where to begin, then this is your chance to start.

"Whether you have one hour or one day a week to volunteer, your time and help will make a difference for so many.”

For more information pop into one of St Luke's shops or visit www.slhospice.co.uk/volunteer.

Alternatively, call Adelle on 01606 555690 or email volunteer@slhospice.co.uk.