Lorraine: “Pilgrims is a service we all may need at some point”
Lorraine Ludlow from Herne Bay chose to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices after her dad, Peter Jury, was cared for at the Canterbury hospice in 2013.
Lorraine was a teacher at Canterbury College for many years but retired when she was diagnosed with cancer. She had successful treatment, and whilst donating some of her dad’s things to a Pilgrims shop she saw they were looking for volunteers. So, she decided to get involved.
Volunteering for Pilgrims is great, you’ll feel appreciated and it’s so worthwhile – you’re doing your bit to give back to a service we all may need at some point.Lorraine
She said: “I’m a people person and there’s such a lovely community spirit within the shops. I wanted to give something back after what Pilgrims did for my dad, and I knew it would also give me something to focus on after my cancer treatment.
“It’s great working with volunteers across different areas, it’s so varied – you never know what’s going to happen. Sometimes you get these gems come in and it’s like a treasure hunt! It’s nice having a role I really enjoy.”
Although she knew about Pilgrims’ three hospices and some of its shops, through volunteering Lorraine learnt about the wider services available for patients and families. She added: “There’s so much more to it than just the very end of life. The support of the community is fantastic and surprised me, too. People are so generous.”
Asked why others should get involved, Lorraine said: “Volunteering for Pilgrims gives you a sense of belonging, the shops especially are like a little community. Everyone looks out for each other, it’s very social.
“It’s great, you’ll feel appreciated and it’s so worthwhile – you’re doing your bit to give back to a service we all may need at some point.”
Inspired to become a Pilgrims’ volunteer?
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer and look out for more stories and information throughout Volunteers’ Week!
Tell us your volunteer story on social media by using the hashtags #PilgrimsLife and #VolunteerVoices.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
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