Renee Friend, Fundraiser & Ambassador for Isabel Hospice
Renee Friend, a long-time volunteer, has been a dedicated fundraiser and ambassador for Isabel Hospice for over 35 years. Throughout her tenure, she has assembled a team of volunteers, collaborated with businesses, and engaged the local community to raise an impressive £1 million for the hospice. Renee began her journey with Isabel Hospice by raising funds for the construction of our IPU, where she later volunteered before supporting our community nurses in the Bishop’s Stortford area. Renee now continues her fundraising efforts through running numerous events every month and supports our weekly Compassionate Café in Bishop’s Stortford. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Renee for her unwavering support!
What did you do before volunteering? Â
I ran my own Secretarial Agency for many years whilst also involved with my children’s schools and activities, governor of the local school for 10 years, secretary of swimming club, meals on wheels etc.
Why did you decide to start volunteering?
When my mother died of cancer in a hospital corridor – I decided to channel my grief and anger by helping raise awareness of Cancer and so set up a group for ICRF, now Cancer UK. Later, I was approached by Isabel Hospice to set up a fundraising group to help raise funds to build our In-Patient Unit. When it opened I trained to volunteer there and at our Day Services, and as a bereavement counsellor.
How often do you volunteer for Isabel Hospice?
I very much volunteer on a full-time basis, organising fundraising events throughout the year and giving awareness talks at organisations and local businesses. I also organise a monthly bereavement support coffee morning which has now been running for approximately 30 years, and help run a weekly Compassionate Café.
How has volunteering changed you?
It has made me more aware of how important it is to listen to others with patience and compassion.
What is the best thing about volunteering?
The many people in our local community, patients, families, businesses and organisations that I have had the privilege of meeting. Many who have welcomed me into their lives and often homes and witnessing the generosity of those that support Isabel Hospice. I get real pleasure from seeing people who are lonely connecting at the Compassionate Café, and then see them in the town together!
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
Even if you only have an occasional hour to spare, do volunteer, the benefits are enormous. As are the friendships you’ll make and the support you get from other volunteers and the community.
We currently have a varied range of opportunities available covering retail, fundraising, patient-facing and office based roles and we are confident we can find one to suit you. To learn more, visit our website www.isabelhospice.org.uk/volunteer or email volunteer.office@isabelhospice.co.uk.
