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Volunteer stories

Two minutes with … Willa

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!

What is your volunteering role at Katharine House and what does it involve?

My volunteer role is ward receptionist. I spend most of my time trying to be helpful to patients, families and staff. I am delighted to think that every time I wash up a teaspoon or fill a kettle, it is a small job that someone else won’t have to do.

I very much enjoy being busy. As I move from place to place keeping the kitchen, tables and common areas tidy and looking after the flowers, I keep an ear out for the call bell signal and talk to patients if they seem to enjoy the distraction. I am also alert to family members who might want to talk or just pass the time.

How did you find out about volunteering for Katharine House? 

I used to bring my class to sing at Katharine House when I was teaching in a local school and I always remember how uplifting and special it was. 

When did you first start volunteering?

I have only been at Katharine House a very short while – since just before Christmas, but I absolutely love it. I volunteer once a week; I’d come more often but it seems to fit the schedule nicely although there are lots of one-off slots if I wanted to come more often! 

What made you decide to volunteer for the hospice?

I have experienced a lot of hospital stays and know how much work goes on. Recently I lost my driving licence due to health reasons. Without this I could no longer get to school and teach, and I faced far too much time at home on my own.

I am only here because of the way I was cared for by family and by strangers in hospital, and I knew that as soon as I could, giving back some of my time to people who needed it was how I would feel most useful and most productive. I don’t feel I have many tangible skills to share, but I have time and a huge sense of gratitude, and volunteering helps me to share this in a positive way that seems to work.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

I like the kindness and the helpfulness, the cheerfulness and professionalism. Everyone is welcoming and there for you and always ready to show you anything you don’t understand. Best of all I feel useful. I always go home feeling uplifted and not at all worn out by my shift. It’s a great pity that I spent so long having to earn a salary. Now that I have a pension I can do something that really makes me happy!

Why is volunteering important?

Volunteering reminds me that I am lucky to be here, and I should share that with everyone.

What makes Katharine House so special?

Volunteers, patients and families are very much appreciated here.

Now for some quick-fire questions…

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: a place where I could find English summer all the year round – bits of France have lovely food and culture and almost the right weather.

My favourite dessert is: summer pudding.

My all-time greatest song is: How Great Thou Art.

My favourite season is: spring – because summer is always just around the corner.

If I won the lottery, I would buy: a school.

People are often surprised when I tell them: I had three children before I managed to get married.

My idea of a perfect day is: walking or cycling and a picnic with a river swim.

My favourite thing to eat is: apples.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: most things don’t matter at all.

My proudest moment was: winning a ‘Women of Achievement’ award from Princess Anne for work with Rwandan refugee children when I was an aid worker.

My favourite way to unwind is: knitting.

When I’m not at work, you will probably find me: making something.

My go-to biscuit is: homemade.

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.
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