My Journey at Wigan & Leigh Hospice
Christine began volunteering on our Inpatient Unit in May 2018 after coming into contact with the hospice on separate occasions with different family members. Here is her story.
Memories of the Hospice
“I volunteer on the Inpatient Unit every Saturday from 10am to 1pm. My role entails handing out drinks and lunch to the patients and ensuring they receive everything they need.
I first had a connection to Wigan & Leigh Hospice when my husband’s cousin was being cared for on the Inpatient Unit in June 2017, and we came to visit her.
During that time, I had been living with my Mum as she had been diagnosed with Cancer for the second time and needed 24-hour care. The Hospice in Your Home team became involved and offered help, which meant I could have a short break two times a week which was amazing.
I went away for a few days and whilst I was away, one of the Hospice nurses came to see my Mum and decided that she needed to stay on the Inpatient Unit for respite care.
We were advised to look for a care home for Mum, but I wanted to carry on looking after her. However, sadly this was never needed as it became obvious that Mum couldn’t go anywhere but stay on the Inpatient Unit at the hospice.
She stayed on the unit for two weeks, before she died with her family by her side. I will be forever thankful and grateful to all of the staff who made my Mum’s stay as peaceful as possible, whilst also looking after me and my family.”
A New Opportunity
“After Mum passed away, I was offered bereavement counselling which proved to be very helpful to me. I then applied to become a volunteer and started in May 2018. It is the best thing I have ever done. It is my way of thanking the Hospice for what they did and what they continue to do to help those who need it. It is an honour and a privilege to be a part of this wonderful place.
I volunteer on the Inpatient Unit with Doreen and Akash, who quickly became my good friends. The best part about volunteering is knowing that I am helping both staff and patients, as well as patients family and friends. It may be a small way of helping, but those small things mean a lot to others.
Anyone thinking of giving volunteering a try should absolutely do it. You will get so much in return. It’s the best thing I have ever done.”
If you would like to join the Hospice team, see our current vacancies here.
Published October 2024