At the centre of the Isabel Hospice family, you will find Kate.
Kate is one of Isabel Hospice’s long-serving volunteers as she will be celebrating 14 years’ service in August. Working alongside Helen Riley, our Supporter Care Manager, she has worked in a variety of roles but for some years now has been helping with the banking – water off a duck’s back for Kate as before retirement she worked for 40 years at NatWest Bank.
Kate has made many friends here and every 2 months a group of long-standing volunteers meet for a meal, which has been a regular appointment in Kate’s diary for the past 8 years. There is clearly a great deal of affection between the volunteers and lots of teasing about who is the oldest! Kate is happy to divulge that she will be 84 in June – but perhaps not the oldest!
Currently volunteering three days a week, Kate doesn’t put her feet up. On days when she is not volunteering, she meets often with her friends and spends time with her 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren – and of course, her family at Isabel!
If anyone is thinking about volunteering, in Kate’s words: “They should go for it!” She is puzzled as to why some people who have the time to spare don’t volunteer. Kate says coming to work at the Hospice makes her feel useful as she is not on her own; she is socialising with all ages, and it gives her a purpose to get up and out the house. “People keep thanking us volunteers, but we do it for a reason too – probably to keep busy!”
When asked where her happy place was Kate’s answer was simple. “It’s here, – at Isabel, and with my grandchildren – but not all at the same time!”
If you are keen to meet new people and would like to work at our Head Office please call our volunteering Office on 01707 382500 #5 or email volunteer.office@isabelhospice.org.uk. Our next information session is on Tuesday 18th July 2023 starting at 5.30pm at Living Well Community Hub, Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4PH. Please allow up to two hours. There is free parking onsite and refreshments will be available.
