Barbara’s volunteering journey with Pilgrims Hospices

Meet Barbara, who began volunteering with Pilgrims Hospices four years ago after searching for something new to fill her time with.

Barbara is a Collection Pot Coordinator, and makes sure that all our collection pots in Whitstable are replaced every few months, as well as finding new venues to host one, including pubs, cafes, hairdressers and newsagents.

She also enjoys supporting our fundraising events, and you will often see her manning our tombola stalls in the community or marshalling at our challenge events.

Volunteering is a way for Barbara to give back to a cause close to her heart. After experiencing first-hand the care her husband, Edd, received, she knew that when the time was right, she wanted to give a little something back.

“I was so overwhelmed by the care, compassion and respect Edd received, as well as myself and my family during what was a very difficult time.”

Barbara’s family also volunteer their time when they can, including her grandson, Freddie, who walked the Whitstable Carnival to raise awareness of Pilgrims, and her daughter, Maxine, who spent some time raising funds on one of our summer tombolas.

Barbara said: “I would recommend volunteering as it has given me a purpose and I feel privileged to be a volunteer, knowing I am making a difference. The sense of fulfilment is indescribable.”

Canterbury Community Fundraiser, Rachael Edmed says:

“We are always looking for enthusiastic, passionate people like Barbara who are able to donate some of their spare time to help us continue raising vital funds and making a difference. Whether you’re interested in supporting our fundraising events or manning a bucket collection, we welcome informal chats to see what volunteering for Pilgrims could offer you.”

Inspired to become a Pilgrims’ volunteer?

Visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer and look out for more stories and information throughout Volunteers’ Week!

Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.

Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.