Volunteer stories
Two minutes with … Kim
Meet Kim, one of our Community Ambassadors, and find out more about her role, why she volunteers and her idea of a perfect day.
What are your volunteering roles at Katharine House and what do they involve?
My main volunteering role is as a Community Ambassador. This includes such things as giving talks to groups, receiving cheques on behalf of the hospice, representing the hospice at company fundraising events and Open Gardens, and networking with politicians and other potential supporters.
But I have also helped the fundraising team with photography at events. I recently photographed the bungee jumpers when they took the leap at the Bloxham Steam and Country Fair. It was my first time shooting bungee jumping, so I researched others’ photos and settings beforehand. We were lucky with largely blue sky behind! The jumpers bounced a bit, so it was tricky to keep the focus; but they were in the air for a good length of time, so I could get shots. It was a bit of a strain looking up so much of the time, but worth it to help raise some extra money!
When did you first start volunteering?
I started my Community Ambassador role in early 2024. I retired just over a year ago, took it easy for a few months, then started the volunteer process with the hospice. My first Community Ambassador event was at the Town Mayor’s Civic Dinner back in March.
How often do you volunteer?
The Community Ambassador role is ad hoc, depending on events and my availability. But I’d say it’s been about four times so far in six months. I’ve also travelled a fair bit this year in the UK as well as the US and Switzerland – so I’ve had to fit Community Ambassador events around this.
What made you decide to volunteer for the hospice?
Katharine House has helped friends of mine in the past. I believe that hospices play an important role in the community, and my mother was supported by another hospice.
How did you find out about volunteering for Katharine House?
I saw the role advertised on the website and I also receive the email newsletter and follow the Facebook page.
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
I’d have to say that it’s all the good people helping internally and externally.
What has been your highlight?
So far, the Middleton Cheney Open Gardens has been the highlight. It was beautiful weather and all the punters were happy and enjoying the gardens. I looked after the raffle table, managing to sell tickets to all but about four people. Local residents were great to chat with and the hosts of that garden, who were selling the refreshments, were very friendly too.
What have you learned since you became a volunteer?
I’ve been surprised at the number and variety of fundraising efforts.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
It is incredibly satisfying, and I love the social interaction of the role.
Why is volunteering important?
For me it’s about helping an important cause and spreading the word about Katharine House.
How does it feel to volunteer for the hospice?
The Community Ambassador role is enjoyable and sociable. Occasionally I’m slightly nervous beforehand … I think I had the skills and confidence already, but I was a bit worried I might not remember all the hospice info. But once it’s done and turns out alright it does build your confidence further. It’s the networking and presentation events where I can feel more comfortable as I do more and get more practice.
What makes Katharine House so special?
It supports people in need in so many ways, including their families.
Now for some quick-fire questions…
If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: Oh, so many places – including many in the UK!
My favourite season is: Spring as I love nature, colour and warmer weather.
If I won the lottery, I would buy: land that would support wildlife and other nature.
People are often surprised when I tell them: I’m English! Most guess Canadian, because I have an English accent from my parents but grew up in midwestern USA mostly, and lived in three other US states plus Switzerland (though French hasn’t rubbed off onto my accent) as well as Norwich, London and north Oxfordshire.
My idea of a perfect day is: starting with relaxing, then photographing outdoors, a good meal, releasing a great photo onto social media; oh, and singing a bit.
I never miss an episode of: The Great British Bake Off, Strictly Come Dancing, Digging for Britain, Secrets of the London Underground.
My proudest moment was: getting my PhD back in 1991. It was around DNA replication in a virus that infects bacteria. Generally speaking, a mixture of microbiology, genetics and biochemistry!
My favourite way to unwind is: reading non-fiction (history), fiction (period detective stories), sci-fi and fantasy. After watching a Lucy Worsley documentary on Agatha Christie, I’m currently re-reading all her books in chronological order of writing them, to see how they tie in with her life over the decades.
When I’m not volunteering, you will probably find me: immersed in photography or performing (singing, acting, dancing).
I’m currently listening to: Elaine Paige on Sunday and The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe.
If I had one superpower, it would be: to fly
If I was stranded on a desert island, I would want: a way off!
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.
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Long-term volunteer Dina talk about some of the ways she's supported the hospice over the years.
Read about the work that Adrian does in the HR team, where he volunteers as an administrator.
For this year’s Volunteers’ Week, we’re focusing on Willa, who is a relatively new member of our volunteering team. Read about her role in the inpatient unit, why she volunteers and her notable proudest moment – among other things!
Two minutes with … Dina
Two minutes with … Adrian
Two minutes with … Willa