Deeping St James woman gives up her time to volunteer for Sue Ryder hospice

A woman was inspired to volunteer to support the hospice who cared for father before he died.

Lesley Evans, of Deeping St James, lost her father 22 years ago and is now hoping to encourage others to consider volunteering.

During her four years at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough, Lesley has provided compassionate palliative care and bereavement support to patients and families in the area.

Lesley said: “Spending time with our patients is the most rewarding part of my role. I like to build up good relationships with our patients’ families too as it can be lonely caring for a loved one.”

Lesley previously spent more than 50 years working in education.

She said: “When you retire, there is so much knowledge and experience you have gained over a lifetime of working; it’s just lovely to be able to continue using those skills through volunteering.”

Lesley said that she would recommend volunteering and added: “I love what I do.

“I get great satisfaction from helping other people – you truly get to see first-hand how your actions positively impact upon other people’s lives.”

As well as volunteering at the Peterborough hospice, Lesley is helping at Sue Ryder’s new Grief Kind space in Bourne. The support groups are free for anyone over the age of 18 who has experienced bereavement.

This group takes place every Thursday at Hereward Group Practice in Bourne, along with another group at Mindspace in Stamford every Friday between 10am and midday.

Sue Ryder is currently looking for ward volunteers at its hospice, particularly for the weekend and late afternoon shifts. To find out more email antonia.dowell@sueryder.org or call 01733 225927.