My Journey at Wigan & Leigh Hospice
Ian has been volunteering for the Fundraising team for 12 months and assists with picking up collection boxes and distributing event posters and flyers across the borough. Here is his story.
A New Opportunity
“When I finished work 3 years ago, I started to look for some volunteering roles. Something came up on BBC North West Tonight about volunteering roles available at the hospice, so I looked at what the current vacancies were and applied for the vacancy in the Fundraising team. I do some conservation volunteering as well for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and I occasionally do some invigilating work for The Deanery High School in Wigan, but I can structure my role here around everything else I do. I usually do one or two afternoons per week or if there is an event on at the weekend, I try to help at those too.
Both my Mum and Dad had end of life care here at the hospice, and I have always supported the Light for a Life appeal at Christmas time. I used to work in the public sector, so I know how difficult the money situation is here, and I was always surprised that the hospice runs on donations. The one thing I have is time, so I thought if my time can help the hospice, I will absolutely begin volunteering.”
New experiences
“I enjoy my volunteering role because it gets me out and about and gives me some structure, and the flexibility of the role means I can do it whenever I have time to. It is brilliant to see the reaction you get from people when you say you’re from the hospice, many people around the borough kindly agree to help fundraise. It is a lovely feeling to say you’re from the hospice, the reaction you get from people is always well received.
I feel very valued within the Fundraising team, the team are great whenever I call into the office. I do feel that if I needed them for anything, they will always do their best to help. The events I have been a part of so far have been brilliant and well supported – the team is a great team to be a part of.
If anyone is looking to begin volunteering, Wigan & Leigh Hospice is a fantastic organisation to do it for, I would highly recommend it. You can build your role around the amount of spare time you have, and the staff are always grateful for anything you can do to help.”
If you would like to join the Hospice team, see our current vacancies here.
Published October 2024