Patient gives back to the hospice that 'saved' her

In 2017, Anne was told she had stage 3 cancer and was given six months to live, but she decided she “wasn’t going anywhere”. She had Macmillan checking in on her at home multiple times a day, it was there that St Andrew's Hospice was first mentioned.

Anne explained: “When Macmillan first suggested I go into a hospice, I was scared. I was expecting this really old building full of dying people, and it frightened me. They talked me into going and so I decided to just bite the bullet and go. The minute we walked into the building, I just felt so warm and welcome. I decided I wanted to end my time at the hospice.” 
 
Anne accessed all of the wellbeing services such as Knit and Natter and the massages. Richard, Anne’s husband, said: “I came along with Anne to her groups like Knit and Natter, and of course I didn’t knit but I certainly nattered! Every now and then they had a wellbeing session where you would meditate so we’d go to that too.”

Anne added: “Everything I got, he also got. He had as much support as I did from the hospice, and that was so important and special to both of us. It gave him the time off from being my carer and let him relax.” 
 
After using the hospice for about a year, Anne was given the incredible news that she was in remission!

She said: “It was an amazing feeling, and I immediately knew I wanted to give back. I started putting my feelers out whilst I was weening off the hospice and I found out they were about to open a shop down the road from us. I helped them unload all of the stock ready for opening and have been here ever since.”  
 
Richard soon joined Anne helping out at the Bradley Crossroads store and they are now entering their 7th and 6th year volunteering.

Speaking about volunteering, Richard said: “We really enjoy working here, we make plans around the hospice, volunteering here always comes first. It helps you too, it helps you grow your skills and confidence, not to mention the social aspect.”

Anne added: “Kelly, our manager, came in like a whirlwind! She’s one of those people that really works hard. She’s not just a manager, but she’s a friend too. Volunteering is the most rewarding thing you can do. 
 
“I’m going into my 8th year of remission. The hospice has given me my life back. They help so many people, all for free, I don’t know how they do it. And if they can’t help you, they always put you in contact with someone who can, they never just turn anybody away. If you get asked to go to the hospice, just go. I was very sceptical but it was the best thing I ever did. We needed to give back and we will continue to give back. We can’t say thank you enough.” 

If you or a family member need support, please reach out to us via https://www.standrewshospice.com/Contact-Us/Referrals 
 
Or if you would like to give back to the community through volunteering in one of our shops, you can apply via this form.