‘I just love it. You couldn’t put a price on what I get back from patients. Its very very fulfilling.’ Pauline Marsden – Complementary Therapist.

‘We have a bit of fun, it gets me out of the house and I love to make people laugh and enjoy themselves.’ Bob Swingley – does a bit of everything (Bob can fix it!)

‘Work was my life. I just couldn’t settle to retirement and I felt I needed something. Working at the Hospice makes me feel happy. It gives me something to look forward to, something to get changed and make an effort for. It gives a real boost to my life.’ Pat Swinbourne - Receptionist and ‘Trolley Dolly’.

‘It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. Working as a volunteer keeps me going, I get far more back than I give.’ Pauline Hernen – Receptionist.

‘I couldn’t have found a more satisfying way of spending the free time I acquired on retirement, than working in the friendly environment of the Hospice.’ Margaret Kenway – Receptionist and Friends Database Assistant.

‘Why I am a Hospice Volunteer – these words from a hymn seemed to sum it up: We are pilgrims on a journey and companions on the road. We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.’ Ruth Wild – Receptionist

‘We feel proud to be volunteers at Dr Kershaw’s and love working as part of such a warm friendly team . It gives you a chance to give something back and the staff and other volunteers are such a happy caring bunch of people; nothing is too much trouble’. Monica Thomas and Linda Bradbury – Receptionists.

Having had treatment myself I can relate to the patients and understand their concerns. I find that sharing experiences helps me too. Audrey Valentine – Day Hospice Helper.

Photograph Reproduced by Kind permission of the Oldham Evening Chronicle.