Two minutes with … Glynis

What made you decide to volunteer for the hospice?

My Dad spent his last days at Katharine House many years ago and his last words to me were, “This is a lovely place; I even have a tot of whisky at night.” The staff looked after Dad so well, I felt that this was a place where I would like to volunteer.

How did you find out about volunteering for Katharine House?

I saw the post on the website and thought, “I’d like to do that.” Going for an interview was a bit out of my comfort zone, after working for the same organisation for almost 20 years, but I was soon made to feel at ease, and the last two years have whizzed by.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

There are lots of things! Meeting the members of staff who are all really helpful and keep me busy, feeling part of a team that work so hard to raise money for this brilliant place, and it also makes me feel useful and keeps the brain working.

What has been your highlight and why?

Just realising how generous people in our community can be. This is after counting bucket after bucket of cash for the Tractor Run at Christmas. It is amazing that at the most expensive time of year, people come out to support the hospice.

What have you learned since you became a volunteer?

I have definitely learned more about Katharine House and the work they undertake, not just in the hospice itself, but out in the community. Also, the amount of different fundraising events that take place over the year – there’s an event to suit everyone!

What are the benefits of volunteering?

I enjoy it. You feel that you are useful and using skills you have gained over the years. You also meet people and it keeps you busy. It’s good for the volunteer just as much as the organisation they volunteer for. I think it’s a win for both.

How does it feel to volunteer for the hospice?

It makes you feel that you’re helping to keep this much-needed hospice in the community. The work and dedication the staff have for Katharine House is what makes the hospice so special. They are a friendly bunch and a pleasure to work with.

Now for some quick-fire questions…

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: the Seychelles! It looks such an idyllic place.

My favourite dessert is: blackberry and apple crumble using blackberries from Crouch Hill and apples from the garden.

My all-time greatest song is: Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. I managed to see Lionel Richie at Blenheim Palace a couple of years ago.

My proudest moment was: having two lovely children and now being a proud grandmother.

My favourite season is: spring with all the lovely flowers.

If I won the lottery, I would buy: It would have to be a big win, then I could pay off my children’s mortgages!

My idea of a perfect day is:  a day out with all the family. The last one was to Cadbury World, lots of chocolate to bring home.

My all-time favourite film is: Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips.

Without doubt, the best animals are: giraffes. A few years back I was lucky enough to go on Safari in Africa, and to see these animals in their natural environment was something I will always remember.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: Life is short, don’t waste it.

My favourite way to unwind is: a walk in the countryside.

I’m currently listening to: Banbury FM to keep up with what’s happening locally.

Katharine House Hospice

• Visit our volunteer opportunities page to explore that wide-ranging volunteer roles available to support Katharine House Hospice.
• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do.
• Read about the End-of-life care and Palliative Care (EPiC) Resource Centre, designed to support you and your family and friends, wherever you are in your journey with Katharine House Hospice.
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and ways to support us, please sign up to our digital newsletter.