Volunteers’ Story – Doreen’s Story

Please say hello to Doreen, our hospice ward clerk! She has volunteered for 14 years for Willowbrook Hospice on the inpatient ward.

I worked for 31 years at BT in Liverpool, and loved it. When I took early retirement, I couldn’t sit and do nothing. I tried other things and volunteered at Citizens Advice and helped as a carer for family members and then eventually came across an advert for Willowbrook Hospice volunteering and thought..yes that’s what I need to do!

I enjoy volunteering at Willowbrook because it gives me something to focus on, it is great to be part of a trusted team and feel valued. It is such a varied role, no two days are the same.

After having a successful career, I wanted to give something back. The hospice team is brilliant, I get so much out of volunteering and it has strengthened my communications skills.

A memorable moment for me was when we had an inpatient who was a Liverpool FC fan, she really wanted to be discharged to go and watch the match but sadly wasn’t able to, so her room was decorated with Mo Salah memorabilia which the team organised, Head Chef Ged made her a cake, they really do go above and beyond.

I would absolutely recommend volunteering to anyone, don’t think twice about it, just do it! You get to meet fantastic people, the staff are always grateful. In spite of what we do, it is a happy place.”

Thank you very much Doreen for all your years you have dedicated to Willowbrook Hospice so far, we are so thankful!